Join Luis Villarreal and Coty DeLacretaz on February 7th from 4-7pm at Sun Dragon for an in-depth self defense workshop addressing some of the unique safety concerns of the trans, intersex and gender-nonconforming community. Informed by Empowerment Self Defense principles and combat sport science, we will explore both verbal and physical strategies to de-escalate conflict and minimize harm during a confrontation through interactive activities and hands-on physical practice. No experience necessary. Please contact coty@sundragon.org to make arrangements for accessibility.

Note: this event is FREE to attend.

Instructor Bios

Luis Villarreal

Luis (he/they) is a queer and trans native Austinite who's worked in martial arts gyms since 2011. Lu is a certified strength and conditioning specialist (CSCS) with a passion for training combat sport athletes. Lu's martial arts background includes traditional martial arts, boxing, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. He is currently a purple belt under Gabriel Martins at Integração Jiu-Jitsu. As a coach at Black Widow MMA, Lu leads Queer MMA – a free program to increase access to combat sports in the LGBTQ+ community. Lu has taught self defense workshops since 2016, with an emphasis on working with marginalized communities. Lu coaches using gender-neutral and body-affirming language. When not in the gym, Lu works as a sexual assault victim advocate.

Coty DeLacretaz

Coty (she/her) has called Sun Dragon home since her children started training here in 2009. After becoming activated during the first Empowerment Self Defense (ESD) workshop she took, but finishing the class with a strong feeling of confidence, she became interested in teaching ESD. She knows ESD supports healing from traumatic experiences and wants to reach communities that are most targeted by violence. Coty has experience working with survivors in a hospital setting as a certified Yoga Therapist (C-IAYT) and understands the need to reconnect with one’s body. Coty has been a student of Seido karate since 2019 and loves the physical and mental challenges of training as well as the friendships she’s made through Seido. She promoted to shodan in 2025. Coty is a tree hugger, sky-gazer and animal lover.