You Are Worth Defending!
Downstairs at The Co-Working Space The Next Us
525 N Cascade Ave, Colorado Springs, CO, 80907
719-357-6034
Community Involvement & Non-Profit Partnerships
A Trauma-Informed Academy
Committed to Healing and Empowerment
At Self Defense Academy of Colorado Springs, we believe self-defense is more than physical techniques – it’s about rebuilding confidence, restoring personal power, and creating safer lives.
We are a trauma-informed self-defense school, that proudly follows the same evidence-based, survivor-centered protocols outlined in the groundbreaking book Transforming Trauma Through Jiu-Jitsu (by Jamie Marich & Anna Pirkl) which heavily references the Valente Brothers method that anchors our school. Every class we deliver for our non-profit partners is built on the survivor-centered, sensory-aware, and empowerment-first principles found in the book: nervous-system regulation, choice-based participation, invitation-only physical contact, and empowerment-first teaching.
We don’t just teach people how to fight back — we teach them they are worth defending.
Giving Back to Colorado Springs & Beyond
Self Defense Academy proudly partners with leading Colorado nonprofits to deliver trauma-informed, empowering self-defense training for women, survivors, children, seniors, and volunteers across the Pikes Peak region. Contact us to bring real-world safety skills to your organization!
Denver-based nonprofit helping women overcome homelessness, criminal histories, and domestic violence through paid job training and life-skills programs.
Since 2024 → Self Defense Academy provides ongoing trauma-informed self-defense classes, boosting physical safety and confidence for women on their path to self-sufficiency.
Kingdom Builders Family Life Center (KBFLC)
Colorado Springs & Teller County nonprofit serving BIPOC survivors of domestic and sexual violence with culturally specific advocacy, mentorship, and violence prevention.
Since 2023 → Self Defense Academy has delivered regular trauma-informed self-defense training for survivors and youth while also presenting at KBFLC’s annual conference.
Colorado Springs nonprofit empowering single mothers and children escaping abuse and poverty through faith-based, trauma-informed residential and outreach programs.
Since 2025 → Self Defense Academy led an introductory self-defense workshop for current program participants, building safety skills and personal confidence.
Colorado Springs nonprofit dedicated to empowering children and families through personalized, play-based multidisciplinary therapies, delivering research-driven interventions to build confidence, foster social relationships, and help children find their voice.
Since 2025 → Self Defense Academy teaches weekly self-defense classes for the children, strengthening physical safety and self-esteem alongside therapeutic growth.
Colorado Springs’ nonprofit organization dedicated to creating connections that bring purpose, joy, independence, and practical support to seniors aging in the Pikes Peak region. Guided by values of active listening, navigating change, celebrating life, and uncovering community resources, it combats isolation through programs emphasizing volunteering, learning, social engagement, and holistic well-being.
2025 → Self Defense Academy delivered a dedicated self-defense class for Silver Key volunteers, equipping them with practical safety skills to better serve local seniors.
Why Trauma Informed Matters
Every community class we teach is built on these non-negotiable principles:
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Nervous-system regulation in every session
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Invitation-only contact – you are always in control
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No yelling, no forced sparring, no recreation of trauma
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Predictable structure with built-in sensory & emotional safety
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Healing and empowerment are the only goals