
Women’s self-defense · Last Friday of every month
What would you do
if you were assaulted?
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
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
- $30
- Per classdrop-in
- $90
- Self-defense punch cardvalid 12 months · 4 classes.
- Free
- First classOʻahu residents
Women’s Only Drills
- $80
- 4 women’s-only classes a monthper month · Includes free open mat.
- $30
- Per classdrop-in


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