To celebrate International Women’s Day, Brazil 021 Chicago hosted a free women’s self-defense seminar in Chicago on March 8, from 11 AM to 1 PM. The two-hour session was open to all women in the Chicago area, with no experience needed, and focused on practical Brazilian jiu-jitsu techniques for personal safety in a supportive, women-focused room.
Here is what the seminar covered, why we built it around jiu-jitsu, and how you can stay in the loop for future women’s events at our academy on Chicago Ave.
Why We Held a Free Women’s Self-Defense Seminar
International Women’s Day, observed every year on March 8, celebrates women’s achievements and advocates for equality. We wanted to mark it with something practical. Personal safety is a real concern for many women, and a free seminar is an easy, low-pressure way to learn a few skills and feel what jiu-jitsu is like.
The event was free to attend, with registration by email so every participant got proper attention on the mat.
What the Women’s Self-Defense Seminar Covered
The session was built around five themes:
- Situational awareness: recognizing and avoiding risky situations before they escalate.
- Escapes from grabs and holds: breaking free from common grabs using leverage instead of strength.
- Ground defense: protecting yourself on your back and getting safely back to your feet.
- Practical BJJ applications: realistic scenarios showing how technique works regardless of size.
- Boundary setting: projecting confidence and setting clear limits with voice and body language.
Why Jiu-Jitsu Works for Women’s Self-Defense
Brazilian jiu-jitsu was designed to let a smaller person defend against a larger, stronger one through technique, leverage and body mechanics. That makes it a natural fit for women of every size and fitness level:
- Techniques do not rely on physical strength
- You practice against real resistance, so skills feel familiar under stress
- Repetition builds muscle memory for high-pressure moments
- Confidence grows from what you can actually do, not from hype
If you want the bigger picture, our guide is jiu-jitsu good for self-defense covers the skills, the limits and how training works week to week.
A Safe, Welcoming Space for Beginners
The seminar was designed for complete beginners as well as women with some martial arts background. Participants wore comfortable athletic clothing and brought water, and the academy provided everything else. The goal was simple: learn without intimidation or pressure, and leave with a few techniques and a lot more confidence.
Brazil 021 was founded by black belts Andre “Negão” Terencio and Hannette Staack, a 7x World BJJ Champion and 3x ADCC Champion, so practical, technique-first jiu-jitsu is at the heart of how we teach.
What Comes Next: Women’s BJJ & Self-Defense Program
Many women who enjoy a seminar want to keep going. We are planning a Women’s BJJ & Self-Defense program: a 6-week course built on BJJ and coached by Hannette Staack, covering awareness and prevention, escaping common grabs, leverage-based technique and confidence. No experience is needed. The program has not launched yet, so join the interest list for women’s self-defense classes in Chicago to hear first when dates are set, and about future free women’s events.
You do not have to wait to start, either. Our Jiu-Jitsu Fundamentals class welcomes women and men who are brand new to the mat.
FAQ
Will there be another free women’s self-defense seminar in Chicago?
We share new women’s events with our interest list first. Sign up on the Women’s BJJ & Self-Defense page or email [email protected].
Do I need martial arts experience for women’s self-defense training?
No. The seminar was built for complete beginners, and the planned women’s program also requires no experience. Comfortable athletic clothes are all you need.
Where is the academy?
Brazil 021 Chicago is at 2643 W Chicago Ave, 2nd Floor, in the Ukrainian Village / West Town area, close to the CTA Blue Line and the #66 Chicago Ave bus. Find out how students get to BJJ near you in Chicago.
Curious what training feels like before the women’s program opens? Book a free trial class and come meet our coaches.
