A Trauma-Informed Academy, Committed to Healing and Empowerment
Self-defense is more than physical technique — it’s about rebuilding confidence, restoring personal power, and creating safer lives. We’re a trauma-informed self-defense school, following the same evidence-based, survivor-centered protocols outlined in Transforming Trauma Through Jiu-Jitsu (Jamie Marich & Anna Pirkl), which draws heavily on the Valente Brothers Method that anchors our own curriculum.
We don’t just teach people how to fight back — we teach them they’re worth defending.
Why Trauma-Informed Matters
Every community class we teach is built on the same non-negotiable principles:
- Nervous-system regulation in every session
- Invitation-only contact — you’re always in control
- No yelling, no forced sparring, no recreation of trauma
- Predictable structure with built-in sensory and emotional safety
- Healing and empowerment are the only goals
Giving Back to Colorado Springs & Beyond
We partner with leading Colorado nonprofits to deliver trauma-informed, empowering self-defense training for women, survivors, children, seniors, and volunteers across the Pikes Peak region.
Women’s Bean Project A Denver-based nonprofit helping women overcome homelessness, criminal histories, and domestic violence through paid job training and life-skills programs. Since 2024, we’ve provided ongoing trauma-informed self-defense classes, building physical safety and confidence for women on their path to self-sufficiency.
Kingdom Builders Family Life Center (KBFLC) A Colorado Springs and Teller County nonprofit serving BIPOC survivors of domestic and sexual violence with culturally specific advocacy, mentorship, and violence prevention. Since 2023, we’ve delivered regular trauma-informed training for survivors and youth, and presented at KBFLC’s annual conference.
Family Life Services A Colorado Springs nonprofit empowering single mothers and children escaping abuse and poverty through faith-based, trauma-informed residential and outreach programs. Since 2025, we’ve led introductory self-defense workshops for current program participants.
Adventure Learning Center A Colorado Springs nonprofit dedicated to empowering children and families through personalized, play-based multidisciplinary therapies. Since 2024, we’ve taught weekly self-defense classes for the children there, strengthening physical safety and self-esteem alongside their therapeutic growth.
Silver Key Senior Services A Colorado Springs nonprofit creating connections that bring purpose, joy, independence, and practical support to seniors aging in the Pikes Peak region. In 2025, we delivered a dedicated self-defense class for Silver Key volunteers, equipping them with practical safety skills to better serve local seniors.
Contact us to bring real-world safety skills to your organization.
Why Groups Work With Our Academy
- Every session follows the same trauma-informed principles, regardless of the population
- Built on protocols from Transforming Trauma Through Jiu-Jitsu, not improvised
- Flexible for the group’s needs — survivors, seniors, children, or volunteers
- Grounded in the same Valente Brothers Method taught in every SDA program
What Our Community Partners Say
Real reviews from Self Defense Academy’s students and community partners.
“We just attended an introductory class with Flip sponsored by Silver Key. Great intro! Flip was very understanding of the limitations with most attendees. He was very insightful, knowledgeable and really shows that he believes what he teaches and loves enabling others to be self aware of defending themselves.”
“Flip came to the women’s bean project and taught us some amazing self defense techniques. I learned a lot and I’m going to be teaching my kids the things I’ve learned… it feels good to know I can protect myself if it comes down to it.”
FAQs About Our Community Classes
Many of them are, particularly sessions run through our nonprofit partnerships. Where there’s a cost, it’s usually to cover mat hire or travel rather than a margin — we’ll tell you upfront which applies to your group.
Yes. Sessions like the ones we run with Silver Key Senior Services are built around awareness, balance, and simple escapes rather than strenuous drilling. Nobody is taken to the ground unless they choose to be, and every movement can be adapted.
Yes, provided there’s enough clear floor space for people to move safely. We’ve run sessions at community centers, program facilities, and our nonprofit partners’ own spaces.
Groups of 10 to 30 work best, though larger sessions can be split into two blocks. Smaller groups allow more individual attention, which matters most with trauma-informed and senior populations.
If your organization serves survivors, children, seniors, or another population that would benefit from trauma-informed, empowerment-first self-defense training, reach out — we’re always open to new partnerships across the Pikes Peak region.
Ready to Bring This to Your Organization?
YOU Are Worth Defending! Whether it’s a one-time session or an ongoing partnership, reach out and let’s talk about what your group needs.
