WOMEN’S SELF-DEFENSE IN NEWBURY PARK
Practical skills. Thoughtful instruction. No experience needed.
Fridays, 6–8 p.m.
Sundays, 1–3 p.m.
Women and teens 16+
Now enrolling
BUILD SKILLS THROUGH PRACTICE
Learn to recognize problems earlier, create distance, escape grabs, and use leverage and body mechanics.
Our ongoing classes give you time to practice, ask questions, and build confidence at your own pace.
WHAT YOU’LL PRACTICE
Awareness, boundaries, and decision-making
Escaping grabs and creating space
Striking with effective body mechanics
Balance, leverage, and positioning
Weapon awareness and improvised tools
Partner exercises help you explore these skills in a controlled setting. No training can guarantee safety, but practice will give you more options.
“I enjoyed the women's self defense workshop and will definitely attend more classes, learned alot!
Love Leslie and Andrew's teaching style.”
— Julie, Women's Self Defense Workshop attendee
START WITH A TRIAL WEEK
Your $50 trial includes seven days of adult classes, including Friday and Sunday women’s self-defense.
Reserve your trial now, and we’ll schedule your first visit.
“Just started training here and I’m very happy the environment is encouraging and the instructors are excellent and patient
I learned more in one lesson than in 25 years of training in other schools.”
— Heidi, Combat Body Mechanics student
About the instructors
Leslie Kim is a coach and co-owner at Combat Body Mechanics with more than 25 years of martial arts experience.
After years in sport martial arts, she began looking for training that better addressed real-world self-defense, fear, weapons, size differences, and uncertainty.
She has trained in Budo Taijutsu since 2003. Her experience as a frequent solo traveler also shapes the women’s program, especially the focus on awareness, intuition, confidence, and practical tools that do not depend on size or strength.
Andrew Stringfellow
leslie kim
Head Instructor Andrew Stringfellow has taught civilians, military personnel, law enforcement, and security professionals for more than 20 years. He is a 10th degree black belt in Budo Taijutsu and received his instructor’s license through master instructors in Japan.
Andrew is also a veteran U.S. Marine Corps Sergeant with more than 10 years of executive protection experience in Los Angeles, including work with high-profile clients, celebrities, and private families.
WANT TO TALK FIRST?
If you’re interested in women’s self defense but aren’t sure if this is the right program for you, we are happy to schedule a free consultation with you. Schedule a time to stop by Combat Body Mechanics in Newbury Park where you can talk to an instructor and learn more in person.
WORKSHOPS & PRIVATE GROUPS
Looking for a self-defense workshop for friends, family, or your workplace? Contact us to discuss a session for your group.
You can also join our email list to hear about upcoming public workshops.
Photos from previous events
faq
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For bottoms, we recommend military or hiking style pants.
For tops, a heavyweight t-shirt or long sleeve works best.
Please wear socks for mat work. Grip socks are also allowed.
That said, we want to keep the training realistic to your life, so any comfortable & durable clothing you have works fine.
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A way to take notes (like a notebook & pen) and some water if you would like. Most of all, bring an open mind.
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No. Everyone who wants to learn is welcome. You can be a complete beginner or a black belt in another art.
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Women’s workshops are designed for adults and teens 16+. Students ages 12–15 may attend only with prior instructor approval and a parent or guardian actively participating with them.