Trauma-Informed Self-Defense in Stillwater, Minnesota

Your first class with us is always free! If you're ready, you can sign up using the link at the top of the page or you can use this link: https://bit.ly/VSDTrialClass. If you're uncertain, you can contact us and our instructors would be happy to talk with you before you step on the mat.

Be patient. Results take time, but if you’re consistent, they absolutely will come. The exciting thing is that as a beginner, results come fairly quickly. Even in 30 days, you can really see a difference in your strength and overall fitness.

Yes. We like to organize our classes in small groups. Small group settings allow you to make new friends that might share the same interest(s) as you!

Our trauma-informed approach to self-defense is something we've worked with educators and doctors to create. Our instructors are trained to spot traumatic responses and to help you cope. Mental health is important here and we welcome tears on our mat. There is no shame and we do everything to keep it that way.

Once again, this depends on your schedule and your goals. Are you interested in getting muscle memory? You'll want to think about 2-3 times a week, especially for Brazilian Jiu Jitsu or Karate. But we understand that sometimes your schedule doesn't allow that much. Even if you're here 1 day per week, you'll still get something out of it.

We do ask that you register before class for a few reasons. Outside of helping instructor's plan, it also helps us contact you if class is unexpectedly cancelled or if we need you to bring something with you for the day. To register, you can use the PushPress members app available for Apple and Android.

We would really say that depends. Are you anxious around groups? Are you working through trauma? Private lessons might be better for you, but they will be more expensive. We would be happy to talk through your options with you!

Absolutely! Everyone has the right to feel confident and safe on the street and in their own body. If you have mobility or flexibility issues, we can modify whatever we need to so that you can always protect yourself.

We accept all major credit and debit cards, personal checks, cash, and Venmo.

Each class is different, but our classes typically break down like this: warm up, fitness, technique, drill training. You'll often see squats, jumping jacks, burpees, pushups, jogging, and running. Please note that if you are unable to do any movements, we can modify for you. Don't let the fitness scare you away from class! We can modify for whatever works best for you and your body.

There's no need to know anything in advance in terms of martial arts! In terms of the gym, we do have a restroom that you can change in if you need to. We have water available and during the summer months we have sunscreen and electrolytes available if we are outside. We ask that you bring clean gym shoes for the mats, but if you don't have another pair, we just ask that you wipe off your street shoes. We also suggest that you leave your jewelry at home as it can be a danger to yourself and others. Otherwise, we are so excited to see you on our mat!