Dear Reader,

I have an announcement regarding the pay-what-you-want monthly workshops that I've been holding since 2022. Starting this Sunday, October 4th, I'm pausing the workshops until further notice.

I didn't come to this decision lightly. I've enjoyed teaching the community and showing folks what their bodies are already capable of. I learned as much as I taught about creating an accessible and safe space to learn martial arts, working with folks in all kinds of bodies, and holding space for attendees' questions and challenges. It's been a privilege to teach my community through over 45 workshops.

In the end, I made the decision to pause the community workshops because I need some extra time for my family, and I feel that there are now several low- to no-cost self-defense instruction options in town - a development that makes me very happy. Attendance has been low the past 6 months and without attendees that are able to help cover the cost of space rental, it's not financially viable for me to continue. And honestly, after 4 years of holding monthly workshops, I'm looking forward to taking a break.

I hope that my community workshops will come back in some form in the future because I really enjoyed teaching them. I am still teaching my weekly Jiu-Jitsu and Kali classes on Fridays and Sundays and available for private lessons and group workshops for affinity groups and organizations. For instance, I'm conducting a workshop for PDX Queer Lotus later this month. Those who identify as queer and Asian can find out more information at @pdxqueerlotus on IG. Please keep checking the newsletters for future opportunities to work with me.

Thank you for supporting my workshops for the past 4 years! I hope we get to work together again! In the meantime, please feel free to reach out to me.

Sincerely,

Holly (she/they)
"Self-Defense for Every Body" | ​www.safetogether.space | IG: @hollyempowered​​

October Happenings:
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1) Fall term Cohort Jiu-Jitsu class registration is still open. The term started on October 2nd and will continue through December 20th. Class meets every Friday from 6:30 to 7:30pm and Sunday from 9:30 to 10:30am and is designed for a deeper dive into the curriculum and developing reflexes by training more frequently. Classes are $100 per month with sliding scale available. Visit this link to learn more and register. Prospective students are welcome to try a free class at any time. Please reach out if you have any questions.

2) I offer two free Cohort Jiu-Jitsu spots to members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. If you or someone you know are interested in joining the cohort and can attend weekly classes, please reply to this newsletter.

3) Did you know that I offer a weekly striking and weaponry class? Kali is a Filipino martial art that includes empty hand striking and weaponry. Additionally, I include Western Boxing, Jun Fan Kung Fu, Thai Boxing, and Indonesian Silat in the curriculum. Classes are always on Sundays from 10:45 to 11:45am. Students pay $15 per class on a drop-in basis and enrollment is open throughout the year. Reach out if you have any questions.

4) Safe Together x PDX Queer Lotus self-defense workshop on Sunday, October 18th. If you identify as queer and Asian, visit @pdxqueerlotus on IG for more information.

$100.00 / month Cohort Jiu-Jitsu Learn self-defense techniques and mindset in a safe and inclusive environment. This course focuses on effective ground... Read more Get it now!

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Mark your calendars - where to find me

• Fridays, 6:30 - 7:30pm - Cohort Jiu-Jitsu Class (Fall Term through December 20th; registration still open)
• Sundays, 9:30 - 10:30am - Cohort Jiu-Jitsu Class
• Sundays, 10:45 - 11:45am - Kali Drop-In Class
• Sunday, October 18th, 1-3pm - Self-Defense Workshop with PDX Queer Lotus (for queer Asian community members; visit @pdxqueerlotus for info )

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