As one of the oldest continuously operating self defense training centers in the United States, Hand to Hand is a supportive and professional environment for learning skills that enable anyone to live more safely. We specialize in practical, comprehensive women's self-defense that relies on effective physical, verbal and emotional strategies.

In a highly supportive environment, students learn to protect themselves from invasive and dangerous situations including physical assault.  They will gain insight into the complexities of violence in our culture and become aware of how we are all impacted by sexism, racism and gender oppression, regardless of our personal identities.  Hand to Hand classes explore the links between personal safety and community wellness because seeing this connection provides an opportunity for healing and encourages every individual to walk fearlessly in their lives.

Women's* Level One -- Students learn how to assess potentially unsafe situations, recognize signs of escalation, and practice skills that interrupt harassment, intimidation and violence.  We teach verbal, physical and emotional strategies that empower women and girls so they can make appropriate choices. Role plays, peer-based learning, and teacher-led discussions on the roots of violence and oppression, along with rigorous physical training, boundary setting scenarios and conflict resolution exercises provide women and girls with the information and techniques needed to keep them safe.
Fee: sliding scale $125-$250

Women's* Level Two -- Level II Self Defense is a 4-hour course open to women who have previously taken a Level I class. Level II is designed to practice physical and verbal responses to intense and dangerous confrontations. Our goal is help you face your fear of violence and heal from it. The course includes information and scenarios involving weapons.
Fee: sliding scale $75-$150

* Women's Level 1 & 2 classes are open to all female-identified students. We will also have classes open to all genders, and classes reserved for male-identified students only. Please email our director HERE for more information.

6-week Women’s Self-Defense Class
June 3 -July 8 Mondays, 6:30-8:30 pm, sliding scale $125-$250

Girls’ Self-Defense/Martial Arts camp
June 24-28, 2013. 9-12 and 1-4 pm, sliding scale $25-$150 for half day and $50-$300 for full day, girls ages  9-13.  Full day students must bring own lunches and liquids. Registration begins January, 2013.  Teachers: Zoey Zotigh and Deborah Godner.

6-week Women’s Self-Defense Class
September 9-October 14, Mondays, 6:30-8:30 pm, sliding scale $125-$250

October 19, 2013.  Saturday
free (donations accepted) middle school and high school girls’ self-defense class, 1:00 to 4:00 pm.

October 20, 2013.  Sunday
free (donations accepted) women’s self-defense class, 2:00 to 5:00 pm.

Level II Women’s Self-Defense Class
(must have taken Level I, class size limited)
Saturday, November 16, 2013, 1-5 pm, sliding scale $75-$150

REGISTER HERE FOR ALL CLASSES.

Special Courses**
Hand to Hand instructors will custom design programs for businesses, schools and organizations as well as offer special seminars.

A partial list of organizations that have partnered with Hand To Hand to offer a self defense course, class, or workshop include: