NYC-DSA Self-Defense / Workout Interest Form 2025
2025 is our third year of free self-defense and awareness lessons for NYC-DSA members!
There are just TWO things to do on this page — but you must do BOTH!
- Complete this interest form including agreeing to the standard waiver (read the link and navigate back here to "sign"). This will put you in our class contact list.
- RSVP for individual classes, listed below:
- Monday, Nov. 24th from 7 - 8pm
- Monday, Dec. 15th from 7 - 8pm [special SocFem-focused class, not open to RSVPs]
- Sunday, Dec. 21st from 12 - 1pm
In 2026 we hope to offer weekly or nearly-weekly classes, depending on instructor capacity and chapter priorities.
Please don't RSVP to class without signing the waiver, and don't only sign the waiver and then show up to class(es) without RSVPing. Thank you!
We welcome beginners and experienced individuals. Our dedicated black belt instructors are from diverse backgrounds and styles of martial arts, so for each session there may be a variety of material — however, there will be common conditioning and mobility exercises, striking on pads (kicks, punches, etc.), and self-defense fundamentals. While classes are meant to be ongoing, you have not "missed" anything if you have not attended before as each class is tailored to its attendance. You will develop your abilities through consistency and repetition. Everyone learns at their own pace, with safety and consideration being the most important aspects.
Self-defense techniques are practiced in the air or slow-motion under supervision, and power is only used when striking pads, held by the instructor. (This is not Fight Club — we are not a "combat sports" group, and we request the liability waiver only as standard protocol, common to most self-defense / martial arts schools.)
The classes may consist of the following segments:
- Warmup stretching
- Techniques; striking / pad work; drills
- Workout and cooldown
The goal is to prepare for self-defense scenarios, have fun, and get to know your comrades!
Please wear comfortable and/or loose-fitting clothing as you would for the gym (t-shirt, sweats or track pants, sneakers / closed-toe shoes), and bring a water bottle. If you have a yoga mat, feel free to bring it — there may be some stretching and warmup material on the floor.
The Manhattan location is accessible. Please note classes are for members only — i.e., adults. We are not able to provide childcare because of the nature of the class and the small size of the office.
