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Empowerment Self-defense

U-M students, faculty and staff are invited to take control of their personal safety by learning physical and verbal strategies to counter violence through our empowerment self-defense workshops.

A photo of two people demonstrating self-defense moves.

About Empowerment Self-defense

The workshops, led by Sexual Harassment and Rape Prevention (SHARP) and Gracie Survival Tactics Level 1-certified instructors, aim to teach participants situational awareness and prevention skills to leave them better equipped to deal with everything from harassment to potentially violent people to sexual assault. Participants will take part in verbal exercises, physical drills and discussion.

DPSS regularly provides group presentations free of charge to students, faculty and staff on a variety of safety and well-being issues, including empowerment and self-defense.

Request Training

Upcoming Classes

IMSB Conference Room A

  • Monday, October 6, 4pm-5:30pm, Aids & Tools
  • Tuesday, Oct 21st, 12n-1:30pm, Self Defense
  • Tuesday, October 28th, 5:30pm-7pm, Strike Pads
  • Tuesday, November 11, 5pm-6:30pm, Pressure Points
  • Thursday, Nov 13th, 12n-1:30pm, Aerobic Boxing
  • Monday, December 8th, 4pm-5:30pm, Aids & Tools

NCRB Multipurpose Room

  • Tuesday, September 23, 12n-1:30pm, Aids & Tools
  • Wednesday, December 3, 12n-1:30pm, Self Defense

Kinesiology Building, Room 4600 (Registration required, $30 fee)

  • Tuesday, October 7, 5:30-7:30pm
  • Monday, November 3, 6:00-8:00pm

Empowerment Self-defense FAQs

Why should I take an empowerment self-defense workshop?
  • Improve your situational awareness skills
  • Identify threatening situations
  • Learn physical and verbal strategies to counter violence
  • Build Self-Confidence
  • Develop decision-making skills
How can I sign up for a workshop?

Sign up through Rec Sports. DPSS has partnered with Rec Sports to offer workshops.

Rec Sports @ 505 HooverKinesiology - Community Programs
Kinesiology Building, 830 N. University Ave, room #4600

What does a typical schedule look like?

Winter Semester

  • Monday, January 29, 4:30 - 6:00 p.m. Self-defense
  • Thursday, February 8, 5:00m.- 6:30 p.m. Aerobic Boxing
  • Wednesday, February 14, 3:30 p.m.- 5 p.m. Self-defense
  • Wednesday, March 6, 6:00 p.m.- 7:30 p.m. Pressure Points
  • Monday, March 18, 4:00 p.m.- 5:30 p.m. Ground Defense
  • Tuesday, April 9, 5:00 p.m.- 6:30 p.m. Boxing w/strike pads
  • Thursday, April 18, 5:30 p.m.- 7:00 p.m. Pressure Points
  • Wednesday, January 28, 2024 - 5:00 p.m.- 7:00 p.m.
  • Thursday, March 21st, 2024 - 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.