Strength. Confidence. Community.

On-site Women’s Self-Defense & 50+ Group Fitness across Norfolk · Virginia Beach · Newport News · Chesapeake · Portsmouth · Hampton.

Active Law Enforcement ACE-Certified Fitness FBI National Academy R.A.D.-Certified

Real-world skills, taught by industry experts — in a space where you’ll feel welcomed exactly as you are. We bring the training to your workplace, your base, or your community.

I.

Programs

All programs run 4–12 participants and are delivered on-site. R.A.D. graduates can refresh free for life with their original manual.

01

Women-Only Self-Defense

Practical techniques for real-life situations, taught in a supportive, judgment-free environment. Learn risk awareness, avoidance strategies, and physical defense skills — and discover what it truly means to fight like a girl.

Inquire About This Class →
02

Group Fitness (50+)

Group fitness that meets you where you are. Our comprehensive approach blends low-impact cardio, strength training, bodyweight work, and boot camp — with expert guidance on form, modifications, and long-term habit building.

Inquire About This Class →
i.

Individual

For women who want to invest in their own safety. Combine with friends or family to meet the group minimum.

4-Person Minimum
Lifetime Refresher
ii.

Community

For churches, senior centers, residential communities, and nonprofit programming. Flat-rate pricing keeps it accessible for community budgets.

4–12 Participants
Flat-Rate Pricing
iii.

Professional

For real estate brokerages, salon and spa teams, and other professional groups working alone or with the public.

4–12 Participants
Flat-Rate Pricing
iv.

Corporate & Military

For HR departments, ERG coordinators, and base wellness directors building lasting programs.

4–12 Participants
Annual Contracts Available
II.About — Founded 2025

A minority and 51% women-owned business, built on real credentials.

We teach the practical skills that change how you move through the world — recognize danger, avoid it, and get away safely.

Empowered Defense & Fitness was founded by two certified professionals who saw a need in their community — for accessible, practical self-defense and fitness programs led by people who truly understand what it means to be prepared.

With decades of combined experience in fitness instruction and community service, we bring a unique blend of expertise, compassion, and real-world knowledge to every class we teach.

Our mission is simple: to help every participant walk away feeling more confident, more capable, and more connected to a community that supports them.

25+
Years in Law Enforcement
Active officer · FBI National Academy graduate
20+
Years of Fitness Instruction
ACE-certified, with real expertise in form and modifications
R.A.D.
Certified Instructors
The national women’s self-defense standard
100%
On-Site Delivery
We come to your workplace, base, or community
III.What Makes Us Different

What Makes Us Different

01

Certified Professionals

Our instructors hold multiple nationally recognized certifications in self-defense and fitness instruction, bringing real expertise and accountability to every class.

02

Safe & Supportive Environment

Every class is judgment-free and encouraging. We meet you where you are and ensure every participant feels comfortable, respected, and motivated.

03

We Come to You

No gym required. We bring the class to your community — your workplace, church, rec center, or organization. Making it easy and accessible for everyone.

04

Real-World Skills

Everything we teach is practical and applicable to everyday life — whether it’s defending yourself in an unexpected situation or maintaining strength and independence as you age.

IV.The Instructors

Two founders. One standard.

Jennifer I., Co-Founder and Lead Instructor
Co-Founder · Lead Instructor

Jennifer I.

R.A.D. CertifiedACE-Certified FitnessCPR/AED InstructorPolice Administrator

Jennifer brings the rare combination of public-service credibility and certified fitness expertise. She has years of experience teaching self-defense to women in professional settings, and she built Empowered Defense & Fitness to be the warm, welcoming room she always wanted to walk into herself.

Craig C., Co-Founder and Lead Instructor
Co-Founder · Lead Instructor

Craig C.

R.A.D. CertifiedFBI National Academy25+ Years Law EnforcementActive Officer

Craig has spent his career in law enforcement and brings that real-world experience to every program. As an FBI National Academy graduate and active officer, he teaches with the calm authority of someone who understands exactly what these skills are for.

You never know how strong you are until being strong is the only choice you have.
Bob Marley · A line we teach to live by
V.Common Questions

Questions, answered.

What is R.A.D.?+
R.A.D. stands for Rape Aggression Defense — the most widely taught women’s self-defense curriculum in North America. It’s used by universities, law enforcement agencies, and military installations across the country. Both of our instructors are certified to teach it.
Do I need to be in shape, or have any experience?+
No. Our programs are built so anyone can take part — regardless of age, fitness level, body type, or physical ability. Both our R.A.D. self-defense and 50+ group fitness classes meet you where you are, and adaptations are available for a range of mobility needs.
Where do you teach?+
We come to you. Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Newport News, Portsmouth, and the greater Hampton Roads area. Training is held at your workplace, your base, or your community center. No studio to drive to.
How long are the programs?+
Our R.A.D. women’s self-defense course is 12 hours, delivered in three 4-hour sessions. Our 50+ group fitness classes run one hour each. For the self-defense course, we can also work with you on alternative scheduling — multi-day intensives or weekend formats — for groups with specific constraints.
Can graduates refresh their training?+
Yes. R.A.D. graduates can refresh their training free for life — anywhere in the country, with any R.A.D.-certified instructor — as long as they bring their original manual. We hold space in our local sessions for refresher participants whenever possible.
Can you teach at our location?+
Yes — that’s how most of our work happens. We deliver on-site within 25 miles of Norfolk at standard rates. For locations 26–50 miles away, we ask for an 8-person minimum and a small travel fee. Beyond 50 miles, contact us and we’ll find what’s possible.
Do you teach self-defense, fitness, or both?+
Both — but they’re separate programs with different audiences. Our R.A.D. self-defense program is designed for women and teens (16+). Our group fitness program is designed for adults 50+.
How do I book a program?+
Use the form below, email [email protected], or call (757) 618-5914. We respond to all inquiries within one business day, and we’ll set up a 15-minute call to find the right program for your group.
VI.Get in Touch

Your schedule. Your people.

Let’s find the right program for your group.

Tell us a little about your organization — your base, your office, your church, your community, or your group of friends. We’ll start with a short, no-pressure call to get to know your group — then shape a program that fits.

Phone (757) 618-5914
Hours Mon–Fri, 9am–6pm ET