Youth-Based Classes (ages 11-14)

We welcome all cis and trans girls as well as LGBTQIA2S+ and non-binary people who are comfortable in a space that centers the experiences of girls.  All Portland Youth are welcome.  Please fill out our online registration form on or after the registration date.

• Please plan to attend all sessions at the location you select.
• Please cancel your registration before the first session if you cannot attend all 
  sessions.

*NEW* Youth Introductory Classes 

The NEW Youth Introductory Class is 3 sessions, each 2 hours in length. This Empowerment Self-Defense (ESD) class is designed to introduce youth to a variety of self-protective options in a discussion format.  Our student-centered training is designed to help youth identify their risks, evaluate their strengths, and explore their options for dealing with the threat of violence.  Topics Include:  Trusting and using your intuition; How bias affects your judgment; Establishing and setting boundaries; Assertive communication; The benefits and risks of various escape options; Healthy Relationships and consent; Physical Self-Defense Strikes and Escapes.  Youth Classes are open to youth ages 11 through 14.  Youth may attend alone or be accompanied by a women-identifying, non-binary person comfortable in a space that centers on the experiences of girls or LGBTQIA2S+ adult. Snacks provided for all attendees.

APRIL 2026
Registration opens Tuesday, March 3rd @ 6:00 pm

• Mondays: April 6th,13th and 20th from 6:00 to 8:00 pm in the Sellwood Neighborhood (exact address given upon registration).

MAY 2026
Registration opens Tuesday, April 7th @ 6:00 pm

• Tuesdays: May 5th, 12th and 19th from 6:00 to 8:00 pm in the Hillsdale Neighborhood (exact address given upon registration).

JUNE 2026
Registration opens Tuesday, May 5th @ 6:00 pm

• Sundays: June 14th, 21st and 28th from 10:00am to 12:00 pm in the Mississippi Neighborhood (exact address given upon registration).

Youth Summer Camps

Classes are held during the summer and run Monday-Thursday from 9am to 12pm.  Summer Camps are open to ages 11 through 14. Adults generally do not attend summer camps with the youth, however if your youth would be more comfortable with their adult attending, please reach out to us.

JULY 2026 
Registration opens Tuesday, June 2nd @ 6:00 pm

• July 13th, 14th, 15th and 16th from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm in Foster/Powell Neighborhood (exact address given upon registration).

Youth Private Safety Workshop

Rose City Self-Defense Youth Private Safety Workshops are designed for all genders to introduce YOUTH (ages 11 to college) to a variety of self-protective options in a discussion format.  Discussion is designed to help people identify their risks, evaluate their strengths, and to explore their options for dealing with the threat of violence.  We ask that you get a Minimum of 10 people together and provide a public-ish location (community centers, gyms, meeting rooms, conference rooms, cafeteria, etc).  We bring the workshop to you for FREE!

90-Minute Personal Safety Workshop (PSW)

Includes:

• Trusting and using your intuition.
• How bias affects your judgment.
• Establishing and setting boundaries.
• Assertive communication.
• De-escalation strategies.
• Benefits and risks of various escape options.

2-Hour Safety & Self-Defense Workshop (S&SD)

Includes:

• All of the skills in the Personal Safety Workshop.
• Plus an additional 30 minutes of Physical Strikes and Escapes.

After School Programming

At this time, we are not offering After School Programming due to staffing limitations.  We hope as we train more volunteers to be able to bring this offering back.  If you are interested in becoming a volunteer instructor with Rose City Self-Defense, please check out our new volunteer information page.