Self-Defense Classes in Fort Collins
While there are hundreds of martial arts styles that claim to be the best for self-defense, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) and Muay Thai kickboxing have risen to the forefront, and they’re at the core of what we teach at McMahon Training Center. Here in Fort Collins, we don’t treat self-defense as a one-time workshop. Instead, it’s a mindset and a skill set developed over time through consistent training. Whether your goal is to feel safer, improve fitness, or gain real-world skills, our structured programs offer a path to lasting confidence and protection.
Why Choose McMahon for Self-Defense Training?
We don’t offer standalone “self-defense” classes, and that’s by design. Instead, we integrate self-defense techniques into every fundamentals class across our core programs: Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) and Muay Thai. These aren’t watered-down versions. You’ll be learning and practicing the exact techniques that can be applied in real-world situations from day one.
Here’s why so many Coloradans turn to us to boost their self-defense training:
- Learn from nine Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu certified instructors
- Study two of the most popular martial arts for self-defense
- Practice in a martial arts culture that emphasizes self-control to avoid injuries
- Choose from 21 Muay Thai kickboxing classes per week
- Study at a certified Renzo Gracie Jiu-JItsu affiliate school
- Avoid long-term contracts
Learn how to combine techniques of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Muay Thai kickboxing to confidently take down an opponent and protect yourself from a threat by turning to McMahon Training Center today.
Benefits of Self-Defense Training:
- Increased confidence & situational awareness
- Increased effectiveness against physically larger opponents (especially for women)
- Physical fitness + stress release
- Strong community support from McMahon Training Center
- Self-protection skills for all ages and body types
Group & Private Training Options
We offer group classes for adults, teens, and kids, along with private sessions tailored to your goals.
Fundamentals First
All new students start with a rotating fundamentals curriculum, so you can join anytime. Early training builds core movements, real-world strategies, and effective defensive skills.
Realistic Training Scenarios
Students start light sparring early to build timing, awareness, and confidence. As you progress, advanced sparring and scenario drills are added in both BJJ and Muay Thai.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for Self-Defense
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu was developed to help smaller, weaker individuals defend themselves against larger opponents, making it one of the most effective self-defense systems, especially for women. Helio Gracie, a founding figure of BJJ, relied on leverage, technique, and body positioning rather than strength to overcome attackers. In a real-life situation, this approach allows you to stay calm, control the situation, and defend yourself effectively, even from the ground. An attacker on the street will likely be bigger than you, which is why BJJ is effective for self-defense, particularly for women.
Muay Thai Kickboxing for Self-Defense
Muay Thai, often called “the art of eight limbs,” teaches students to defend themselves using powerful strikes with the fists, elbows, knees, and shins. In our self-defense-focused Muay Thai classes, you’ll also learn practical techniques like clinch control, trips, and throws, all of which are essential for handling an opponent who tries to grab or take you down in a real-world encounter.
As students advance, controlled sparring is introduced to build timing, composure, and the ability to apply techniques under pressure. This helps to prepare you for real-life self-defense scenario.
Self-Defense for Women
While we don't label specific classes as “women’s self-defense,” our training emphasizes techniques that work regardless of size or strength. For women looking for a comfortable starting point, we offer:
- Women’s-Only Muay Thai Class – Sundays
- Women’s-Only BJJ Classes – Coming Soon
These classes provide a welcoming environment for women of all backgrounds to build self-protection skills, confidence, and community support.