In-Person Classes
IMPACT’s commitment to personal and community safety is more vital now than ever — whether it’s responding to the current political climate or the enduring epidemic of abuse, violence and harm. We welcome anyone who is feeling unsafe right now to join us for a free community self-defense workshop, or sign up for one of our longer classes. All classes teach physical and verbal strategies for responding to threats, intimidation and violence.
Classes are taught by a team of two instructors— one teaches self-defense skills, the other takes on the role of an aggressor. This instructor wears a full suit of protective body armor so you can safely practice the skills you learn. People learn to swim by getting in the water. Self-defense is similar– the best way to learn is to get up and practice.
IMPACT’s approach to self-defense is trauma-informed, social-justice-oriented and designed to teach practical safety skills in a way that challenges victim-blame.
IMPACT has scholarships available for all classes and we also accept payment through the Massachusetts Victim’s Compensation program. To learn more about Victim’s Compensation benefits, please visit: https://www.mass.gov/massachusetts-victims-of-violent-crime-compensation
To apply for a scholarship please visit the “Scholarship Opportunities” page located at the bottom of the Public Classes menu or click here.
To pay through Victim’s Compensation please email us at: classes@impactboston.org
Classes are listed chronologically. To be notified of new classes, dates and when registration opens, please click here.
Teen & Young Adult Self-Defense
2-day class for girls, nonbinary & LGBTQ youth ages 16-22
(Please contact us at info@impactboston.org if you would like to register someone outside this age range.)
Course Fee*: $250
*Full and partial scholarships available. Email classes@impactboston.org to receive an application or download one from our website.
In this 12-hour course, teens and young adults learn skills to help navigate increasing independence. In a supportive, trauma-informed environment, students develop physical and verbal skills to respond to a number of threatening situations as well as strategies to stop attempted sexual assaults. In addition to practicing physical scenarios, they also learn about assertive communication, how to safely intervene when a friend is at risk, and how to recognize unhealthy relationships. This course emphasizes the importance of assertiveness and boundary setting to ensure safety and comfort among friends and dating partners, as well the ways our gender socialization can put us more at risk. Upon completion of the course, students will know how to use their body to defend themselves, be able to recognize red flags, know how to assertively communicate when they feel uncomfortable, and have a clearer understanding of what they want and deserve from relationships.
8/1 11am-5pm
8/2 1:30pm-7:30pm
Must attend both sessions
Location: Presentation School Foundation Community Center, Brighton, MA
Women’s Core Self-Defense
20-hour class for all women, girls, nonbinary folks 16+
(Please contact us at info@impactboston.org if you would like to register someone outside this age range.)
Course Fee*: $450, sliding scale options during registration.
Full scholarships available by downloading an application and emailing it to us.
This 20-hour weekend course is our most comprehensive self-defense course for women (cis & trans welcome), teen girls ages 16+, and nonbinary folks who would be comfortable in a women’s class. In a supportive, trauma-informed environment, students develop physical and verbal skills to resist threats, intimidation, and violence perpetrated by both strangers and familiar people. Scenarios students learn to defend themselves against include front confrontations, attacks from behind, attempted sexual assault, and ground fighting. The lead instructors of this class identify as women.
Note: This is an intensive weekend course, which starts on a Friday night.
Fri 10/2/26, 6:00pm – 9:00pm
Sat 10/3/26, 10:00am – 7:00pm
Sun 10/4/26, 10:30am – 6:30pm
Must attend all sessions
Location: Non-Profit Center, 89 South St., Boston, MA
LGBTQ+ Core Self-Defense
20-hour class, open to LGBTQ+ people of any gender 16+
(Please contact us at info@impactboston.org if you would like to register someone outside this age range.)
Course Fee*: $450, sliding scale options during registration.
Full scholarships available by downloading an application and emailing it to us.
This 20-hour weekend course is specifically designed for people of all genders who identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community and are 16 or older. In a supportive, trauma-informed environment, students develop physical and verbal skills to resist threats, intimidation, and violence perpetrated by both strangers and familiar people. Self-defense scenarios include front confrontations, attacks from behind, attempted sexual assault, and ground fighting. Taught by instructors familiar with the LGBTQ+ community and LGBTQ+ violence prevention, this course offers practical skills to fight back against the specific ways in which LGBTQ individuals are targeted for violence as well as assertive communication skills that can be used in many life circumstances.
11/20/26 6pm – 9pm
11/21/26 10am – 7pm
11/22/26 10:30am – 6:30pm
Must attend all sessions
Location: Non-Profit Center, 89 South St., Boston, MA