By Alicia Doyle
Sunday Signal Writer
In the Santa Clarita Valley, a growing number of women are stepping onto the mats to learn how to defend themselves — and discovering far more than physical strength in the process. Local academies like Checkmat Valencia, Ekata Training Center, Z-Ultimate Self Defense Studios and Jiyu Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Fitness are empowering women through practical self-defense training that blends confidence, awareness, and resilience with world-class martial arts instruction.
Checkmat Valencia
Checkmat Valencia Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu offers ongoing women’s self defense classes that focus on practical, real-world techniques rooted in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. The program emphasizes situational awareness, leverage-based escapes and confidence-building strategies that are accessible to all experience levels.
“Learning self defense empowers women with the confidence and ability to protect themselves in real-life situations,” said Leka Vieira, owner and head instructor. “It’s not just about physical techniques — it’s about developing awareness, setting boundaries, and building the mindset to stay safe and assertive in everyday life.”
Vieira is a three-time World BJJ Champion, four-time Pan American Gold Medalist and the first female World Black Belt Champion. She is also an inductee of the United States Martial Arts Hall of Fame and a resident of the Santa Clarita Valley for 15 years.
“We offer classes seven days a week that focus on self-defense and self-confidence utilizing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu,” she explained, adding, “as a female myself, I can speak first hand to the positive impact BJJ has for women.”
“Our goal is to help women feel stronger, more confident, and in control of their safety,” Vieira said. “Through training, we aim to create a supportive community where women not only learn practical skills but also discover their inner strength and resilience.”
Checkmat Valencia is located at 28059 Avenue Stanford in Valencia. For more information, call (310) 793-6667; or visit www.checkmatvalencia.com.
Ekata Training Center
Ekata Training Center is offering a six-week Women’s Self Defense course starting Saturday, November 8 from 10 to 11 a.m. If you’re unable to attend this session, it will be offered in the future on a quarterly basis.
“Women’s self defense creates a purposeful connection between the mind and body,” said Edward Monaghan, owner and head instructor.
“All women should know how to avoid potential danger from sources we might not commonly expect,” he continued. “We integrate mindfulness practice to hone the awareness and provide the physical training to develop a realistic understanding of aggressive confrontations.”
His wife, Sifu JoAnn Wabisca, will be teaching the class. “She is a 6thdegree black belt and former world champion kickboxer.”
He noted that physically preparing to defend yourself creates a strong, flexible body.
“Taking self defense is like paying an insurance policy — you hope you never need it, but it’s there if you do,” Monaghan said. Plus, “you get the benefit of a body that moves well as an adjunct benefit.”
He added that our brain adapts to challenges by developing an area called the anterior midcingulate cortex.
“This portion of the brain builds resilience. Taking a challenging class that addresses scary topics strengthens our brain so that we can manage other tasks that require self-discipline and commitment.”
Ekata Training Center is located at 27831 Smyth Drive in Valencia. For more information, call (661) 255-1114, or visit ekata.net.
Z-Ultimate Self Defense Studios Valencia
Z-Ultimate Self Defense Studios — Z-USDS — is a part of a family of martial arts companies formed with one goal in mind — to provide “Z-Ultimate” martial arts experience by providing life-changing and character building experiences through world-class personalized martial arts instruction.
What is unique about Z-USDS is a philosophy of leadership that teaches, “Be a product of what you represent.” Every staff and support member of the Z-USDS family are martial artists and train actively. Every instructor is hand-picked and trained by the Board of Masters through Z-Ultimate University of Martial Arts Professionals where they undergo rigorous training in the classical, tactical and practical aspects of the “Ultimate Kenpo” system.
Ultimate Kenpo is a blended style that takes the “best of the best” from Karate, Kung Fu and Jiu Jitsu, and combines it into one system that works in almost any situation and is adaptable to any body style. This combination of the classical, practical and tactical aspects from each style forms a system that teaches you how to defend yourself on your feet or on the ground; empty-handed or against a weapon.
While most dojos offer group classes only, Z-USDS specializes in “world-class private instruction” combined with age-specific group classes. This format allows them to customize their programs to fit your age, skill, physical abilities and goals. This combination also allows students to learn and earn belt ranks at their fastest, most efficient speed instead of only learning as quickly as the slowest person in the group.
Above all, their mission “is to inspire the men, women and children of our communities to realize their personal best through the timeless traditions of the martial arts in an environment that is proudly built upon the more rewarding aspects of life — respect, health and happiness.”
Z-Ultimate Self Defense Studios is located at 25844 McBean Parkway in Valencia. For more information, call (661) 414-9070 or visit zultimate.com/locations/valencia.
Jiyu Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu & Fitness
Do you want to enhance your self-defense abilities, boost your confidence and connect with other women in the community?
At Jiyu Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu & Fitness, the women’s self defense program is designed to empower women with essential skills and confidence to protect themselves. In a supportive environment, participants learn practical techniques to handle real-life situations effectively. Experienced instructors focus on building awareness, assertiveness and physical skills tailored to women’s unique needs.
Classes are open to adult women of all ages. No prior experience is necessary, making it accessible for beginners looking to enhance their personal safety and confidence.
The program integrates Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu techniques, emphasizing leverage and control to neutralize threats. This approach is particularly effective for women, allowing them to defend against larger opponents without relying on strength.
Above all, this program stands out due to its focus on real-world applicability, experienced instructors, and a welcoming environment that fosters growth and confidence among women.
Jiyu Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu & Fitness is located at 29487 The Old Road in Castaic. For more information, call (661) 510-6485; or visit jiyubjj.com/womens-self-defense.
