Women Empowered®
Women Empowered® is the official Gracie self-defense program for women based on the techniques of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ). In this 15-lesson program, we will teach you how to neutralize the 20 most common attacks ranging from having your hair grabbed to being pinned to the ground by a weapon-bearing assailant. Each one-hour Women Empowered lesson addresses two techniques. You can start the program at any time and participate in any class without previous experience. Unlike most self-defense systems that rely heavily on strength, speed, and coordination, the techniques in the Women Empowered® program employ leverage, technique, and timing, so anyone, regardless of age or athletic ability, can make them work against larger opponents. Once you complete the Women Empowered program, you may test for promotion to pink belt!
Brazilian Jiu-jitsu is the perfect self-defense system for women, but only if it is taught correctly. If you’re unsure about learning BJJ for fear of injury, embarrassment, or any other reason, then the Women Empowered program is perfect for you! If you’ve tried BJJ at another school and had a negative experience, give Women Empowered a chance, and we guarantee it will win you back to the mat!
20 Essential Techniques
Law enforcement officials and survivors of sexual assault helped us identify the 20 most common attack strategies that a male assailant is likely to use on a woman. From hair-grabs and choke-holds, to bear hugs and weapon defenses, the Women Empowered® program covers it all. Beyond the physical techniques, Women Empowered® also reinforces awareness principles, risk assessment, and verbal and psychological strategies a woman can use to set safe boundaries with others – even if the perpetrator is someone she knows. At the core of this mindset is the belief that we are worth defending!
Step 1: Learn the Techniques
We have divided the 20 Women Empowered® techniques into 15 one-hour classes so that you can complete the course at your own pace. We designed each lesson so you can start the program at any time and complete the 15 lessons in any order. Upon enrolling, we will issue you a Women Empowered® attendance card on which we will track your progress every step of the way.
Step 2: Develop Your Reflexes
Once you complete each of the 15 Women Empowered® lessons once, you will qualify to participate in the Reflex Development (RD) classes where you will learn how to combine the 20 techniques to address the most common occurrences in a real self-defense situation.
Step 3: Earn Your Pink Belt
Once you complete each of the Women Empowered® lessons four times, and you’ve completed at least 8 Reflex Development Classes, you are eligible to test for promotion to pink belt! During this 30-minute test, we will assess your execution of all 20 essential techniques. If your performance meets Gracie University standards, you will qualify for promotion to pink belt. As a pink belt, you will be more than ready to move on to the Gracie Combatives® program should you choose to continue the jiu-jitsu journey!
“NO MATTER WHO THE PERPETRATOR IS OR WHAT THE CIRCUMSTANCE IS, WE HAVE A PLAN.”
— EVE TORRES GRACIE
Jiu Jitsu Changes Our Lives
Many people wrongly believe that a survivor of sexual assault may be to blame based on what they were wearing, drinking or doing prior to the assault. It's not true, and the insinuation is much more damaging than many realize. It's never the victim's fault. It is a man's responsibility to respect women and their boundaries. But until this day comes, we encourage women to learn self defense; not because it's their responsibility, but because it's their reality.
When Eve got pregnant, she immediately went to YouTube to see if she could find any guidance on safe practices for training jiu-jitsu while pregnant, but there was nothing of the sort. Consequently, Eve and Rener decided to document their pregnant jiu-jitsu journey so that future families had something to reference when their time comes. Be sure to watch the video all the way through to the end for a fun surprise with the newest member of the Gracie Family! Disclaimer: Every pregnancy is different, and none of the information shared in this video has been medically reviewed. Consult with your physician before training jiu-jitsu or engaging in any physical activity while pregnant.
Free Online Access & Satellite Training Privileges
Upon enrolling in the Women Empowered® program at any Certified Training Center, you will receive a free subscription to Gracie University Online. Through this interactive online platform, you will have access to detailed video instruction on every technique in the course, enabling you to study the lessons on any computer or mobile device 24 hours a day! Furthermore, all active students at a Certified Training Center qualify to train at any other Gracie Certified Training Center around the world. Since the curriculum is the same at all Certified Training Centers, you will receive credit for every lesson on your Women Empowered® attendance card when you return home!
10-Day Free Trial at Any CTC!
Most BJJ schools limit new students to one free trial class. We offer new students a 10-day risk-free trial. We’re confident that the curriculum, the camaraderie, and quality of the instruction will exceed all your expectations. If that’s not the case, just let us know, and we will never charge you a penny. To take advantage of our 10-day free trial, simply contact the Certified Training Center nearest you, and we’ll schedule your first class today!