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Women Empowered®Self Defense Classes in Houston

Age Range:13+ |  Experience Requirement: None

Women Empowered is the official Gracie self-defense program for women based on the techniques of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ). In this 15-lesson program, we will teach you how to neutralize the 20 most common attacks ranging from having your hair grabbed to being pinned to the ground by a weapon-bearing assailant. Each one-hour Women Empowered lesson addresses two techniques.

Do you face any of these challenges?

  • You don't feel safe by yourself when walking around the streets.
  • Unsure how to deal with physical alterations that you didn't expect to happen
  • You struggle to be confident in your abilities & strengths and want a healthy way to decrease stress and anxiety.

How This Program Will Help You

Stay Healthy, Stay Fit

Engaging in martial arts provides numerous physical benefits for children. Through regular training, they develop strength, flexibility, coordination, and balance

Martial Arts Mastery

Through skill development, goal achievement, and positive reinforcement, empowering them to face challenges with confidence and a strong sense of self-worth.

Protect Yourself And  Family

Participating in martial arts enhances self-awareness of surroundings and safety by teaching situational awareness, alertness, and self-defense techniques, ensuring personal safety.

Self-defence that actually works.


Women Empowered is the official Gracie Jiu Jitsu self-defence program for women based on the techniques of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ). In this 15 lesson program, we will teach you how to neutralise the 20 most common attacks ranging from having your hair grabbed to being pinned the ground by a weapon-bearing assailant. Each one hour Women Empowered lesson addresses two techniques. You can start the program at any time and participate in any class without previous experience.

Unlike most self defence systems that rely heavily on strength, speed and coordination, the techniques in the Women Empowered program employ leverage, technique and timing so that anyone, regardless of age or athletic ability, can make them work against larger opponents.

Come start your martial arts journey in a safe, fun environment, right here in Burwood!

Tap into your power. Unleash your potential.


For our Women Empowered students, learning to defend themselves not only enhances their physical confidence, but also their sense of freedom to live life to the fullest.

Learning to set verbal and physical boundaries plays an important role in our safety and our ability to pursue what we want out of life. This is one of many reasons women choose Women Empowered for their martial arts training.

Join our tribe.


In Women Empowered, we work with each other, not against each other, on our journeys of empowerment. Our instructors and students love helping newcomers who may be experiencing nerves on their first day!

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is the perfect self defence system for women, but only if it is taught correctly. If you’re unsure about learning BJJ for fear of injury, embarrassment or any other reason, then the Women Empowered program is perfect for you!

Come for the jiu-jitsu, stay for the community of women supporting one another.

Why the Houston Community Loves

our Gracie Jiu Jitsu Martial Arts School

Audrey Morabito recommends Gracie Jiu Jitsu Houston

via Google

I could NOT recommend the Women Empowered program more!! I tell basically every woman in my life about it. I was so nervous to try something so far out of my comfort zone, but it's turned into my favorite part of the week. From the moment you arrive, you're greeted with open arms and step-by-step instruction. Every class is an absolute blast, and the instructors are always eager to help and celebrate your progress. Plus, you're learning some insanely effective and essential strategies for staying safe as a woman. If you're on the fence about it—try it. You'll love it!

Amy Moore recommends Gracie Jiu Jitsu Houston

via Google

My son has been participating in BJJ at Memorial Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for over two years now. The staff are exceptional - kind and fun to the kiddos, but firm and demanding respect. My son's confidence level has risen so much with BJJ. Thank you so much Jackson and Rafael for your love of these kiddos!

Ryan Kauanui recommends Gracie Jiu Jitsu Houston

via Google

Such an AMAZING Jiu-Jitsu academy! Jackson is an excellent instructor and the curriculum at this school is second to none! We’ll definitely stop by to jump on the mat the next time I’m in the neighborhood! A++++

Aimee Barros recommends Gracie Jiu Jitsu Houston

via Google

I’ve been going to the Women Empowered program at Gracie Jiujitsu Houston for over a year.
I love the method that they use guiding you to work with the power of your mind and strength of your body. So many times we think that using force will be the best way to defeat a stranger. But they actually teach you how to use techniques that will be much more powerful than just fighting.

Christopher Segovia recommends Gracie Jiu Jitsu Houston

via Google

Love this place!!! So glad I found Gracie Jiujitsu Houston and made it my home! I trained Jiujitsu many years ago at a different gym but the training was so unorganized and caused many injuries to students, including myself. I hesitated to go back to jiujitsu because most schools throw inexperienced people in a room and say "go at it"! This leads to a ton of injuries.

NOT at GJJ Houston!!! I came to a free seminar at this Gracie Certified Training Center in Houston run by Professor Jackson Fortunato. This gym runs a very structured and very safe school that is backed with an amazing curriculum created by Gracie University. They believe everyone can learn jiujitsu and not have to worry about the "only the strong belong" mentality. Everyone is super nice and welcoming. They have classes for every age and everyone in the family! Come out and try a free 10 day trial at an awesome place to train!

Program & Pricing FAQs

At what age can women start Martial Arts Classes together?

Women of all ages, starting from teens to seniors, can begin martial arts classes together at Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Houston. Our Women Empowered program is designed to accommodate different stages of life and fitness levels.

Why choose Gracie Jiu Jitsu Houston for Women Empowered Self-defense Classes?

Choose Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Houston for Women Empowered self-defense classes because our curriculum is specifically designed for women, focusing on realistic scenarios and practical techniques that can be used effectively in real-world situations.

Which specific disciplines are offered for Women Empowered Martial Arts Classes at Gracie Jiu Jitsu Houston?

For Women Empowered, we offer Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Kung Fu, and. Each discipline is adapted to focus on empowering women with the skills needed for self-defense and personal growth.

Is there a trial period for new Women Empowered students in Gracie Jiu Jitsu Houston's Martial Arts Classes?

We provide a trial period for new Women Empowered students to experience the classes, get to know the instructors, and see the positive environment, ensuring they feel comfortable and informed before committing.

Can participation in Women Empowered Martial Arts Classes at Gracie Jiu Jitsu Houston cause injury?

While there is always a risk of injury in any physical activity, our Women Empowered martial arts classes prioritize safety and proper technique to minimize risks and ensure a safe learning environment.

Do Women Empowered members need to be in good shape to take BJJ Classes at Gracie Jiu Jitsu Houston?

Women do not need to be in good shape to start BJJ classes; our programs are intended to help women improve their fitness level through martial arts, enhancing physical conditioning progressively.

What should families know before starting Women Empowered BJJ Classes at Gracie Jiu Jitsu Houston?

Families should know that our Women Empowered BJJ classes provide a supportive environment that respects each woman's individual journey, focusing on techniques and strategies suitable for women to defend themselves effectively.

Are the Women Empowered Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) Classes at Gracie Jiu Jitsu Houston enjoyable?

Yes, the Women Empowered BJJ classes are enjoyable and fulfilling, offering women a chance to learn self-defense, improve fitness, and join a community of like-minded individuals in a positive and encouraging setting.

What sets Gracie Jiu Jitsu Houston's Women Empowered Martial Arts Classes apart?

Our Women Empowered classes stand out because they focus on self-defense techniques that are effective regardless of size or strength, taught in a supportive, female-friendly environment that emphasizes empowerment, safety, and confidence.

What makes the Women Empowered Self Defense Classes unique at Gracie Jiu Jitsu Houston?

The Women Empowered Self Defense classes at our studio are unique because they incorporate traditional BJJ techniques tailored to empower women, emphasizing grace, agility, and the mental strategy of martial arts.

Can Women Empowered Martial Arts Classes at Gracie Jiu Jitsu Houston help boost confidence and coordination skills for all ages?

Absolutely, our Women Empowered martial arts classes are designed to boost confidence and improve coordination for women of all ages, helping participants feel stronger and more capable in both physical and everyday activities.

Are there different intensity levels in Gracie Jiu Jitsu Houston's Women Empowered Martial Arts Classes?

Yes, we offer various intensity levels to cater to different fitness and skill levels, ensuring that every woman can find a class that meets her needs and challenges her appropriately.

Can Women Empowered members with varying fitness levels participate in Martial Arts Classes at Gracie Jiu Jitsu Houston?

Yes, our classes are designed to accommodate women with diverse fitness levels, offering modifications and personalized guidance to ensure that every participant can benefit and grow.

Are Women Empowered Martial Arts Classes Violent?

No, our Women Empowered martial arts classes are focused on self-defense and empowerment, not violence. They teach techniques to avoid conflict and defend oneself if necessary, in a controlled and respectful environment.

What sets Gracie Jiu Jitsu Houston's Women Empowered Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) Classes apart?

Our Women Empowered BJJ classes stand out due to their emphasis on practical self-defense skills and techniques that women can use effectively, regardless of their opponent's size, taught in a supportive and empowering environment.

More Confidence. More Focus. Get Fit.

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