You Are Worth Defending
Do you have a strong sense of self-worth to believe you are worth defending? Do you know how to go about defending yourself from physical, mental, and emotional attacks from strangers and non-strangers?
Establishing healthy boundaries is important for physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing.
Take advantage of a 10-day free trial at a Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Certified Training Center. If one is not available nearby, then check out https://www.gracieuniversity.com for online training. Learn the attack strategies of strangers and non-strangers and how to defend against each phase of an attack in the Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Women Empowered Program.
Volunteers of the Empowered Heart's Self-Defense Programs teach the Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Women Empowered Program at Certified Training Centers in Arizona.
Self-defense tips on YouTube
Visit and subscribe to our channel on YouTube to learn more.
Self-defense Playlist:
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9FgC9o0Q77C2ZOR9DbNvWvht6dG4yoWP&si=wAJsk5TQV5tlQJhj
Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Women's Self-Defense Training in Arizona
The Women Empowered (WE) Program
The Women Empowered (WE) Program is based on the principles of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu (GJJ). The Women Empowered Program teaches 20 techniques to neutralize the most common threats to women in an assault. GJJ does not rely on strength or power. It relies on leverage, technique and timing. The Women Empowered Program is taught to women of all ages and athletic abilities (including those who do not exercise), and from all walks of life. Self-defense is not limited to a set number of techniques; it’s a state of mind, and it begins with the belief that you are worth defending.
Several Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Certified Training Centers affiliated with Gracie University offer the Women Empowered Program. All Gracie University Certified Training Centers offer a 10-day free trial for any of their programs.
The volunteers of The Empowered Heart, Inc. teach at the following schools in Arizona:
-GJJ Chandler (N Dobson Rd & W Elliott Rd)
https://www.graciejiujitsuchandler.com
WE Classes are offered on Wednesdays 8-9pm and Saturdays 8-9am
-GJJ Scottsdale (Loop 101 & Talking Stick Way in the Pavillions,
8969 e. Talking Stick Way suite C-1)
https://www.graciejiu-jitsuscottsdale.com/
WE Classes are offered on Tues. & Wed. 10-11am, Wed. 6-7pm, Fri. 9-10am
-GJJ West Mesa (1209 N. Country Club #B5/B6)
WE Classes are offered on Wednesdays 8-9pm and Saturdays 9-10am
-GJJ Glendale (Bell Rd & 51st Avenue)
WE Classes are offered on Tues. 6:30-7:30pm
-GJJ Phoenix (Tatum & Thunderbird)
https://graciejiujitsuphoenix.com
WE Classes are offered on Tues. & Thurs. 9:30-10:30am, Tues. 6:30-7:30pm & Sat 9-10am
Free Women's Self-Defense at Roosevelt Church with Kiara
Free Saturday Classes offered on select dates
2025 Scheduled Classes:
January 11, 25
February 8, 22
March 8, 22
April 5, 19
May 3, 17, 31
June 14, 28
**Stand-alone classes. Join at any time. No experience necessary.**
When:
Every other Saturday, 10:00 - 11:30 AM
Please plan to arrive 15 minutes early if it’s your first class.
Group Lunches: (after 2nd class each month):
January 25, February 22, March 22, April 19, May 17, June 28
Location:
Roosevelt Community Church
924 N. 1st Street, Phoenix, AZ 85004
(1st Street & Roosevelt Ave.)
Come observe or participate any time! No previous experience necessary. Suitable for all ages and fitness levels. (Age 12+)
Cost: FREE!
Class Description:
We provide opportunities for women and teen girls to make authentic connections while engaging in meaningful discussions around personal awareness, safety, and self defense. With Gracie Jiu-Jitsu, the focus is on setting boundaries and learning how a smaller person can effectively thwart an attack from a bigger, stronger opponent using leverage, technique, and timing rather than strength, speed, and athleticism. Although the topic is serious, we provide a light-hearted and fun environment to learn together. Our self-defense classes are for women of all ages and athletic abilities. (Ages 12+) We’ve been meeting for 4 years and have had more than 300 women and teen girls join us!
Parking:
Free parking provided in the church lot when available. If the lot is full, you’ll find inexpensive street parking and other paid lots nearby. There are occasionally issues with the new company that is managing the parking lot. If you ever receive a ticket, please send a picture of the ticket to Adam Snowden at adam@rooseveltchurch.org. Let him know you attended a women’s self defense class, and he will get it cleared for you. Thank you for your patience as the church gets the parking process smoothed out. :)
Group Lunch:
We regularly walk to a nearby restaurant together after class. Lunch together is a great opportunity to make new friends, connect with your favorite training partner, or continue the self defense discussions. If cost is an issue, please reach out and the church will cover you. We don’t want anyone to have to miss out due to cost. Planned Lunch Dates: January 25, February 22, March 22, April 19, May 17, June 28
Private Lessons & Classes:
Kiara loves teaching private lessons, classes, and seminars customized to what you’d like to learn. Please reach out for more details.
Feel free to contact Kiara any time if you have questions or would like to connect before attending a class. She would love to hear from you!
Kiara Howerzyl
602-509-5741
Financial Assistance
Who do we serve?
We help those who are ready for transformation to live an empowered life, and engage in self-defense training for physical, mental and emotional wellbeing.
How would financial assistance work?
For women who want to learn, and need some financial assistance, we will be happy to connect with you to explore opportunities to assist you in your journey. If you are willing to invest in your growth and development, we will help you find a way. Please reach out to us at empoweredheartinc@gmail.com
How can we help?
For women who are interested in learning more about the Women Empowered Program, we are more than happy to provide you with more information and/or to help you connect with a Certified Training Center and/or Certified Instructor. There are Certified Training Centers in many countries. If there is not a Certified Training Center in your location, we will help you identify other opportunities for training. For some women, this is all that is needed. Send an email to empoweredheartinc@gmail.com and we will be happy to connect with you.
For women who want to learn, and need some financial assistance, we will be happy to connect with you to explore opportunities to assist you in your journey. If you are willing to invest in your growth and development, we will help you find a way. Please reach out to us at empoweredheartinc@gmail.com
