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HIGHLAND VILLAGE WOMEN'S SELF DEFENSE PROGRAM
Empowering Women To Become Strong, Confident Protectors
Build real world self defense skills and confidence through safe, effective training– with a supportive and empowering community
6 SKILLS YOU'LL MASTER AT GIRLS WHO FIGHT
Trade Fear, Doubt and Insecurity For
Strength, Confidence and Control
1. Handle Yourself With Confidence In All Situations
Learn how to respond to inappropriate peers, manipulative strangers, abusive partners, and bad gut feelings in our Strategy Sessions designed for real-life situations.
2. Master Hand-Picked Techniques From The Most Effective Martial Arts
Train in the most effective techniques from Jiu Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts—hand-picked for women’s self-defense. No fluff, no wasted time—just what works when it matters most.
3. Eliminate The Freeze Response
In our Scenario Drills, you’ll learn to act fast, stay calm under pressure, and fight back with fighting spirit—no hesitation, no self-doubt.
4. Master Your Boundaries
Learn to assert yourself with clarity and confidence. Set boundaries that protect your peace and keep toxic, dangerous people out—for good.
5. Build Unbreakable Mental & Physical Strength
Our program will shape you mentally and physically into a strong, fit, confident person who is ready, willing, and capable of fighting for yourself and what you want (and never settling for anything less)
6. Create Lifelong Habits For Total Success
Develop the habits, mindset, and discipline that drive excellence—in training, relationships, career, and life. The best part? All alongside a powerful community of women who've got your back.
FILL OUT THIS FORM TO
Book Your Intro Class
& Get 2 Weeks Free!
The next page will let you schedule your intro class. We will never share your information. By submitting you agree to receive SMS or e-mails about special offers and events. Rates may apply.
TRANSFORM YOUR SKILLS, AWARENESS & CONFIDENCE IN JUST 6 WEEKS
Next Beginner Course Starts May 18th
Only 16 Spots Available
Every 6 weeks, a new group of 16 women start their self-defense journey together in this exclusive, semi-private training experience.
In just 6 weeks, you’ll build a solid foundation in self-defense—while gaining life-changing insight into violence prevention, personal boundaries, and mental strength. Even better? You’ll grow and graduate alongside an incredible team of like-minded women who have your back every step of the way.
6 Weeks, 16 Spots, Total Transformation.
"Gemma our instructor and the group of women that participate in the class are phenomenal. Girls Who Fight is a welcoming and supportive place to grow both physically and mentally. I’d recommend this to anyone looking to build self confidence or just looking for a fun way to move your body."
Friendships
Street Smarts
Strength
Self Defense
Personal Growth
Self Discipline
Confidence
Fitness
Resilience
“Girls Who Fight has truly been life changing for me. With every lesson, I feel more empowered, more capable, and more excited for life again.”
GET 2 WEEKS FREE
Master the Skills to Defend Yourself—And Make Sure You’re Never a Target
The Girls Who Fight Program® is designed to make you excellent—physically and mentally—in the skills that deter, detect, and defend against violence. You’ll walk away with real confidence, not just in your ability to fight back, but in your ability to navigate life with strength and awareness.
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DEFEND COMMON ATTACKS with proven techniques from Jiu Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts
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AVOID BECOMING A TARGET by setting strong boundaries and recognizing danger early—whether from strangers, peers, or intimate partners
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BUILD MENTAL STRENGTH and resilience to fight back and survive—even against a bigger, stronger attacker
Become The Most Confident Version Of Yourself
Girls Who Fight isn’t just about learning to defend yourself—it’s about becoming the kind of woman who stands tall in every part of life. Yes, you’ll build real self-defense skills and get fit. But more importantly, you’ll become someone who believes in her strength, speaks with clarity, and refuses to back down—on or off the mat. Here’s what you’ll gain:
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A FUN, EMPOWERING HOBBY that keeps you strong and healthy
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MENTAL STRENGTH to overcome fear, stress, and adversity
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A POSITIVE OUTLET to release stress and build resilience
Surround Yourself With Driven, Like-Minded Women
Lasting change is hard to do alone—but at Girls Who Fight, you won’t have to. You’ll train alongside a powerful community of women who are strong, focused, and committed to growth—in training and in life. Our instructors and teammates will push you to level up, support you when it’s hard, and celebrate every win along the way.
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JOIN A TRIBE of confident, success-minded women
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Train in a SAFE, POSITIVE, EMPOWERING environment
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SURROUND YOURSELF with women who inspire your best self!
Meet Your Instructor – Gemma Sheehan
Founder of Girls Who Fight • Former MMA Fighter • Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Brown Belt
I’m a former MMA fighter and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu brown belt with over 15 years of experience training and competing in martial arts. I earned a 5–1 MMA record, won gold at the IBJJF Pan Championships, and was ranked the top female fighter in Ontario. In 2017, I retired from competition. Walking away from my dream wasn’t easy—but I left with something even more powerful: the unshakable belief that I could do anything.
Martial arts gave me everything—confidence, strength, community, purpose, and the mindset to fight for what I believe in. It made me wonder: why aren’t more women getting this life-changing experience? The answer was clear—most martial arts schools are built for men who want to compete, not women who want to protect themselves and love the journey.
If you're like me—and like the women in our program—you don’t want a watered-down “empowerment” class or a one-time workshop. You want the best: a real, effective, high-level program that’s 100% focused on women’s self-defense.
That’s why I created Girls Who Fight. Since 2017, I’ve dedicated everything to building this program from the ground up—for women, by women. I hope to share it with you!
A FRIENDLY, PROFESSIONAL WOMEN'S SELF DEFENSE PROGRAM
Why Should Girls Who Fight be The Place You Finally Learn Self Defense?
Beginner Women at Girls Who Fight:
✅ Learn From a Structured Curriculum
✅ Learn Techniques To Defend Common Attacks
✅ Learn How To Never Become A Target in The GWF Strategy Sessions
✅ Start With Other Beginners
✅ Female Only Classes
✅ Beginner-Friendly, Fun, Empowering Atmosphere
✅ Learn From A Professional, Experienced Female Instructor
✅ The Objective of Our Training is SELF DEFENSE
Beginner Women at Average Gym:
❌ Learn Random Techniques
❌ Learn Unrealistic Moves Designed For Martial Arts Competitions
❌ Zero Prevention Training
❌ Get Thrown Into Sparring and Become a Punching-Bag For Advanced Students
❌ Only Female In Class
❌ Hierarchy, Clicks, Competitive and Intimidating Atmosphere
❌ Unprofessional Male Instructors
❌ Says It's Self Defense, Tricks You Into Joining A Martial Arts Class
GET 2 WEEKS FREE
"Since I started last year, I have gained more self-confidence, feel more empowered to use my voice, learned new martial arts techniques, and provided a physical hobby that has helped me lose 20 lbs"
Latest Features & Awards
Even Teachers Notice The Change In Confidence!
Women's Self Defense Articles by Girls Who Fight
Next Trial Class Is This Saturday!
To get started, reserve a spot in our beginner self defense training session where you'll learn the basics with other beginners and get an introduction to our program. No experience necessary.
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Saturday's 3-4:15pm
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Age 13+ (Teens Training on Mat 1, Women's Training on Mat 2)
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10 spots only
