Self Defense

I teach low-adrenaline, trauma-sensitive workshops that empower participants to build safer communities, set interpersonal boundaries, and handle everything from normalized harassment to emergency-level threats.

I began as a survivor of multiple forms of violence –from my intimate partners, a doctor, and the police. I wanted to heal from PTSD and find more peace in my body. I started training Danzan Ryu Jujitsu at Pacific Jujitsu Kai in 2015 and earned my 1st degree black belt (Shodan) from Prof. Hillary Kaplowitz in December of 2024. I am also a certified self defense instructor through the American Sports and Fitness Association, CPR/First Aid certified, and certified in pepper spray proficiency through the state of California.

As a co-founder of Hookers Army, a peer-led self defense collective for sex workers, and later the in-house instructor for both Trans Defense Fund LA (a TGI self defense group), and the Sidewalk Project (a harm reduction site in Los Angeles), I have developed curriculum that is trauma-supportive, body and disability inclusive, and responsive to my clients’ immediate needs for safety. All self defense is ultimately community defense. 

I train college students and faculty/staff, frontline workers at client-facing businesses, activists, community groups, nonprofit teams, and gatherings of friends.

I offer a monthly public Self Defense Workshop at Everybody Gym in Highland Park! First Sundays, 11AM-12:30PM, $14, no experience needed, all welcome!

Trainings

Deescalation

Ideal for frontline workers, faculty & teachers, and anyone who wants to build the courage to diffuse conflict. This training focuses on keeping yourself and others safe when someone near you is in distress and may cause harm to themself or others. 

Self Defense

For anyone who is at risk of harassment, harm, and violence. This training provides both verbal and physical techniques for deescalation, boundary setting, and escape. Participants learn to protect themselves before, during, and after a harmful situation. *Optional extra training in hand-held weapons such as kubotans, pepper spray, and stun guns. 

Emergency Preparedness

For companies and organizations that would like to create an emergency action plan (EAP) in the event of a natural disaster, active shooter, hate crime, or other emergency. This training will be bespoke to your location and team and is often paired with a Deescalation training.

Mini

30-50 minute event in a larger day of offerings, can be participatory or a demo

Workshop

My curriculum is based in jujitsu, honed by survivors of violence, and animated by the principles of harm reduction. Students call these workshops “surprisingly fun” and “necessary!”

2-3 hour group training for up to 20 people

Series

Two or more workshops, or train-the-trainer option

Monthly drop in sessions in Highland Park, CA at Everybody gym! First Sundays, 11AM-12:30PM

Drop In

  • See Vanessa talk about their work with Trans Defense Fund on Vice’s Transnational Series

  • Read about Vanessa’s training with Sidewalk Project participants in LA Times

  • Read Vanessa’s article “How to Build  Hookers Army” at n+1

What happens in a self defense workshop?

We take it slow, practice our breathing and stance, and prepare for both common aggressions and rare emergencies. Participants learn to deescalate conflict and prioritize aftercare. By building calm awareness and grounded responses, participants increase their capacity to set both verbal and physical boundaries.

What is different about Vanessa’s self defense workshops?

Vanessa’s curriculum draws from both a traditional martial art and the lived experiences of hundreds of survivors of violence. The techniques are simple but effective, and the teaching style is low-adrenaline, so students can focus and learn. While other courses exclusively encourage students to fight back, Vanessa’s curriculum honors all forms of escape and survival, and emphasizes the efforts we must make after violence has occurred to care for ourselves and recover.

Testimonials

“Working with Vanessa has given me the tools to feel more secure and confident in my needs, my voice, and my bodily autonomy.” 

—Deescalation Workshop participant

“In working with Vanessa, I gained valuable knowledge about Deescalation but more importantly about empowering community to take a larger role in their safety and the safety of others. Working with Vanessa was a complete joy! They are a kind and thoughtful individual. I could not recommend Vanessa highly enough!

—Gina Bigham, Program Manager, Trans* Lounge, Los Angeles LGBT Center

“I gained very practical skills in managing unwanted contact with folks who are approaching/interacting with me. I appreciate that these techniques are usable in any given setting, not just work-related; I have been able to implement my "stance" and techniques in situations already outside of work. From Vanessa's workshop, there are group safety practices and considerations that I plan to implement into my organization's standard protocols and procedures.

Safety/de-escalation training (to me) usually implies high adrenaline, intense situations. However, Vanessa cultivated a space where they met everyone where they were at and personally, I felt very at ease learning and practicing new techniques under their guidance. I would strongly recommend individuals/groups working with vulnerable community members/populations to work with Vanessa.”

—Minji, Program Manager, Viet Rainbow of Orange County

“I felt empowered to maintain boundaries and it shaped my overall lens on how those who are trying to break a boundary or bend it are the ones escalating the situation and it reassured me!”

—Melissa, Deescalation & Self Defense workshop participant

“Learning how to think about the before, during, and after an incident gave me a tangible structure to keep myself reassured when I'm faced with a difficult situation that may need de-escalation. Vanessa kept us grounded during our workshop. Understanding the feelings and emotions that we came into the workshop with, they were not flippant about who we were, the values that we shared, and the reality that we lived in. Vanessa was encouraging and warm in giving us instructions and feedback. With the self-defense methods they taught, I felt comfortable in practicing and in feeling like I can take what I learned with me in my everyday life. Vanessa is trauma-informed and has a myriad of lived experiences that I believe will give attendees of their workshops a sense of ease. I recommend any LGBTQ org, SWer org, harm reduction org, or any org that works with vulnerable population to book Vanessa for their speaking or self-defense needs.”

—Ivy, Deescalation & Self Defense workshop participant


”I felt extremely empowered. Since the workshop, I have had a few experiences that have made me feel very grateful for having skills in boundary setting and also setting physical boundaries (managing unwanted contact). I feel safer!”

—Workshop Participant

“My LGBTQIA+ students were able to learn self-defense and boundary setting techniques. With the current anti-LGBTQIA+ political climate, it was important for me provide my students safety and empowerment. Thank you, Vanessa! Vanessa is very warm and empathetic to my LGBTQIA+ students. This allows my students to learn what they are teaching and feel empowered. I give Vanessa my highest recommendations to anyone who wishes to learn about self-defense.”

—Nat, LAVC Rainbow Pride Center

“I am so grateful Vanessa shared their talents with us. I learned a LOT.” 

—Self Defense Workshop Participant

“Thank you for your great lessons you shared with us! I taught them to my middle schoolers to help them stay safe too.” 

—Deescalation Workshop Participant