At Lioness Martial Arts we are committed to providing women with excellent self-defense instruction and a safe, supportive environment in which to learn.

Beginning Self-Defense for Women

Designed for the novice student, this 6-session course is open to women of all ages and abilities. In each class we concentrate on a specific attack situation. Students learn to block or break away, and ways to disable the attacker with basic kicks and strikes. Each maneuver is broken down into easy-to-learn components and practiced in class, individually and with partners.

In these classes we also deal with many other (non-physical) aspects of self-defense including psychological preparedness; avoidance strategies; safety practices to use at home and on the street; and verbal self-defense skills.

Intermediate and Advanced Self-Defense

These courses are offered to those students who wish to continue their self-defense training. Additional physical and verbal defenses are covered.

This workshop is designed to give attendees a fast and fun introduction to personal safety. Learn common-sense strategies to reduce risk, how to use your voice and attitude effectively, and simple but powerful physical techniques. Women of all ages and abilities are welcome!

Self-Defense is not just for kicks!

In this 6-week program, about half the class time is devoted to learning the non-physical aspects of self-defense: awareness, avoidance, how to set and defend boundaries, recognizing predator/aggressor behaviors, projecting a confident image, speaking clearly and assertively. Learning these important skills helps build confidence and improves girls' ability to deal with a variety of situations.

Learn to fight like a girl!

Students also learn effective physical skills: how and where to kick and strike, quick releases from common grabs, and ways to maximize the body’s power against a larger opponent. All techniques were developed by women, especially for girls with no previous fighting experience. They are simple, effective and fun to learn! And of course safety in class is always a priority.

This 2-hour workshop is a fast and fun introduction to self-defense and it's just for girls, age 11-15. Students build confidence as they learn to spot and avoid trouble, how to use their voice, and basic physical defenses. 

 
On-site self-defense instruction is a unique and valuable benefit for organizations large and small. Classes are tailored to meet the particular needs of the organization, and may be women-only or co-ed, as appropriate for the group.

Self-Defense classes are available in beginning through advanced levels; the length and duration of the classes is determined by your organization's needs.

Recent clients include Alcoa, The Ellis School, Girl Scouts, Pittsburgh Action Against Rape (PAAR), the American Association of University Women and UPMC Health System. 

Contact us to discuss a custom program for your group.