BEGINNER-FRIENDLY

MARTIAL ARTS & SELF-DEFENSE

We’ve got options for you.

Underground Self-Defense - Empowered and Confident Student

FIND THE POWER IN YOU WITH UNDERGROUND SELF-DEFENSE

Welcome!

We are on a mission to empower our community with the knowledge and skills to stop violence before it starts.

Untrained people defend themselves successfully every day, but untrained people also carry a hidden burden of anxiety or fear.

You can take the first steps to feel safer and more at ease. We teach simple, effective skills you can learn quickly and use right away. For many people, a basic intro course is all you need.

But you may be surprised to discover, once you try it, that you really like to hit things. Yes, even you– you peaceful, conflict-avoidant angel.

That’s where we come in. We have the professional instructors, equipment and facility to support you on this journey.

It’s great. Nobody gets hurt. You get stronger and more confident. You meet the coolest geeks and nerds in town. We all have fun.

We welcome you, just as you are now, to join us in the Underground and find out why so many people tell us this experience changed their lives for the better. Are you ready? Let’s do this!

Safer. Stronger. Together.

Master Ali (5th degree black belt)

Co-owner & Master Instructor

SELF-DEFENSE

Join an upcoming Women’s Self-Defense Course (LGBTQ+ inclusive, ages 14+) or book a custom private workshop or lesson.

SHAOLIN KEMPO KARATE

Try Shaolin Kempo Karate– a holistic martial art that is safe, effective, engaging and fun. For adults, teens and children (ages 4+).

KICKBOXING

Take a 6-week intro course or jump into weekly drop-in classes. Learn safe and effective technique for fitness and self-defense. For adults and teens (14+).

PRIVATE WORKSHOPS

Book a custom workshop for your group, workplace, school or organization. Or, schedule a private lesson for yourself or a loved one.

NOT SURE WHAT TRAINING IS THE BEST FOR YOU?

SELF-DEFENSE COURSE

Self-defense is as important a life skill as knowing how to swim or learning the rules of the road. Unfortunately most people are advised simply to never walk alone at night. This advice is both impractical and freedom-limiting. More importantly, it does not actually help stop most potential violence. What does keep you safer is learning to defend yourself effectively, even without a weapon, even against a bigger, stronger attacker. Take the course and learn how.

MARTIAL ARTS

Whether you took a course and are looking for more of that empowered feeling, or you just want to pick up a fun hobby that helps you improve your fitness, relieve stress and learn self-defense, we have options for you. Our kickboxing classes help you feel strong and energized while learning effective striking for self-defense. Our Shaolin Kempo Karate classes provide a well-rounded martial arts education ideal for people who want try something like this but don’t know where to start. It’s never too late to start or continue your martial arts journey.

“In brief: the instructors (they are all awesome; they make classes consistently informative, challenging, and fun; and they’re always willing to answer questions I have about techniques when I’m confused or curious for more information), the fantastic workouts, the stress relief I get from from hitting things in general, the re-centering that I get from hitting things in a controlled and focused way, the fact that I think I’m actually developing a bit of coordination for the first time in my life, and, finally, the sense of supportive community that I find at Underground whenever I’m there.”

– AnneMarie L.

“I took a self defense class with Underground and it was perfect. I learned about ways you can intervene before an attack and lots of great physical and verbal interventions you can do to ward off an attacker and they even had real male attackers so you got great practice trying the interventions. Great class. Highly recommended!”

– Jessica K.

CORE VALUES

We hold the following core values at the heart of every class we teach and every interaction in our studio:

SAFETY

Our classes and community are a physically, mentally and emotionally safe place for your to learn skills that help you feel and be safer in the world.

EMPOWERMENT

Your personal power is yours. We just help you find it, nurture it, and give yourself permission to step into it without apology. You can do hard things.

INCLUSIVE COMMUNITY

We welcome you even and especially if you’ve rarely seen yourself in spaces like ours. You can relax and be your whole, unique self here.

PERSONAL GROWTH

We believe we always have more to learn and we aspire to be better people every day. We invite you to walk by our side on this journey.

FUN

We teach serious skills but we can get seriously silly. Learning new things and moving your body shouldn’t be a chore! Come laugh and be joyful with us.