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Island Jiu-JitsuKakaʻako · Honolulu
A woman practicing a standing arm control on an instructor during a women's self-defense class

Women’s self-defense · Last Friday of every month

What would you do if you were assaulted?

Island Jiu-Jitsu teaches women to defend themselves in real-life situations using Gracie Jiu-Jitsu — techniques based on leverage, not how hard you can kick or punch. Hands-on, taught by women, every last Friday of the month from 6 to 7 PM.

Monthly workshop

Last Friday

of every month

6:00–7:00 PM

  • 760 Halekauwila Street, Kakaʻako
  • 1 hour, hands-on, with partners
  • Led by Tammy Chang and Ocean Hay

$30 drop-in · first class free for Oʻahu residents

Check the calendar for dates and register online or in person.

How the class works

Hands-on, step by step.

Island Jiu-Jitsu is dedicated to teaching women how to defend themselves in real-life situations using Gracie Jiu-Jitsu techniques. These techniques are based on leverage — not how hard you can kick or punch someone.

This class is focused on hands-on learning. You’ll partner up with other students and instructors — male and female instructors are available — to physically practice each technique step by step.

You do not need to be fit, or in shape, or have any previous experience. You do need to be prepared to have close contact with another person to practice the techniques.

Come on a regular basis. Different techniques are taught in each class, and basic self-defense positions and movements are drilled every time. Muscle memory is key to defending yourself in a life-threatening situation.

You’ll learn

  • How to defend yourself if you are attacked in a standing position
  • How to defend yourself if you are attacked while lying down
  • How to be more physically and mentally assertive
  • Self-confidence

Who teaches it

Taught by women.

Two brown belts lead the workshop. Male coaches may also be present for drilling.

Meet all the coaches
  • Tammy Chang, brown belt

    Tammy Chang

    Brown belt

    Started the women’s self-defense workshops at IJJ to empower females mentally, emotionally and physically.

  • Ocean Hay

    Brown belt

    Helps manage the dojo and coaches the keiki. Your contact for questions and private group classes.

Pricing

The monthly workshop, and a weekly women’s-only class.

Pay per class or with a punch card — no contracts. Every co-ed class is open to women too; see adult memberships.

Women’s Self-Defense

1 hour · Every last Friday of the month, 6:00–7:00 PM.
$30
Per classdrop-in
$90
Self-defense punch cardvalid 12 months · 4 classes.
Free
First classOʻahu residents

Women’s Only Drills

1 hour · Jiu-jitsu drills for women and women’s bodies, taught by women. Classes generally include hip movements, grips, strengthening and pressure drills. Open mat when time allows.
$80
4 women’s-only classes a monthper month · Includes free open mat.
$30
Per classdrop-in
First-person view of a wrist-grab escape drill with an instructor during women's self-defense
Two women training jiu-jitsu, one controlling her partner from behind

Private group classes

Bring your group.

Private 2-hour classes are available for groups of 6 or more people.

Questions? Contact Ocean

(808) 358-4714hayocean1@yahoo.com

FAQ

Before your first class.

When is the women’s self-defense class?

Every last Friday of the month, 6:00–7:00 PM, at Island Jiu-Jitsu, 760 Halekauwila Street, Honolulu, HI 96813. Check the calendar for dates and register online or in person.

Do I need to be fit or have experience?

No. You do not need to be fit, in shape, or have any previous experience. You do need to be prepared to have close contact with another person to practice the techniques.

Who teaches the class?

Tammy Chang and Ocean Hay, both brown belts, lead the workshop. You’ll partner with other students and instructors — male and female instructors are available — and male coaches may also be present for drilling.

How much does it cost?

$30 per class, or $90 for a women’s self-defense punch card — 4 classes, valid for 12 months. The first class is free for Oʻahu residents.

Should I come every month?

Yes. Different techniques are taught in each class, and basic self-defense positions and movements are drilled every time. Muscle memory is key to defending yourself in a life-threatening situation.

Can you run a private class for my group?

Yes. Private 2-hour classes are available for groups of 6 or more people. Contact Ocean at (808) 358-4714 or hayocean1@yahoo.com.

Is there a regular women’s-only class too?

Yes. Women’s Only Drills is a 1-hour class taught by women, focused on jiu-jitsu drills for women’s bodies — hip movements, grips, strengthening and pressure drills. It’s $80 a month for 4 women’s-only classes, or $30 to drop in. See the schedule for this week’s day and time.

Come train

Come to the next one.

Every last Friday of the month, 6:00–7:00 PM. First class free for Oʻahu residents — register online or in person.