Public Classes

Open to the public. We offer classes for Women, LGBTQ+ folks, Women of Color, Mixed Gender Adults, Teens, Kids, and classes specifically for Trauma Survivors. Scholarships are available for all classes.

Self-Defense Classes

Our self-defense classes teach physical and verbal strategies for responding to threats, intimidation and violence. Classes are taught by a team of two instructors: the lead instructor demonstrates and teaches the skills while the suited instructor takes on the role of an aggressor. The suited instructor wears protective body armor (their “suit”) so students can safely and realistically practice the skills they learn. While the content of each class varies, scenarios students learn to defend themselves against may include verbal harassment, front confrontations, attacks from behind, attempted sexual assault, and abuse from adults (if the class is for minors). All classes emphasize verbal skills and graduates often report feeling more capable of asserting themselves in many areas of their life. 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. Classes that are for specific communities are taught by members of that community.

Classes

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Name: IMPACT Digital Security Workshop
Summary: Virtual workshop open to all
Course Fee: Free
Date/Time: 10/28/26 from 3pm to 5pm
Location: Virtual (Zoom link to be sent to registered participants)
Link: Register Here

Description

Everyone has a right to be safe online and you don’t need expert hacker skills to protect yourself. Join IMPACT Boston for a training focused on security best practices for activists, organizers, or anyone who wants to maintain their privacy in the age of surveillance. With an emphasis on safety through social practices, communal trust, and mutual care, we will discuss what tools are available to maintain privacy for ourselves and our communities. Topics will be covered in an accessible way that minimizes jargon. No prior knowledge is required. Anyone seeking to learn how to manage their public information, resist stalking, and utilize tools to take back control of their digital lives.

Name: Women's Introduction to Self Defense Workshop
Summary: cis & trans women/teens and nonbinary folks who would be comfortable in a women's class, ages 16+
Course Fee: Free
Date/Time: Thurs 11/5/26, 6:00pm – 8:30pm
Location: Presentation School Foundation, 640 Washington St., Brighton MA 02135
Link: Register Here

Description

This workshop will teach foundational physical and verbal self-defense skills in realistic scenarios 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. You will learn: Assertive communication Verbal self-defense strategies Physical self-protection skills 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. More information about accessibility can be found here: Accessibility Information | Impact Boston

Name: LGBTQ+ Core Self Defense
Summary: 20-hour class, open to LGBTQ+ people of any gender 16+
Course Fee: $450, sliding scale options during registration.
Date/Time: Fri 11/20 6pm - 9pm Sat 11/21 10am - 7pm Sun 11/22 10:30am - 6:30pm • must attend all sessions
Location: Non-Profit Center, 89 South St., Boston MA 02111
Link: Register Here

Description

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. Note: This is an intensive weekend course, which starts on a Friday night. If you are applying for a full scholarship, please email classes@impactboston.org to receive an application or download one from our website.

Need More Information?

We offer classes for Women, LGBTQ+ folks, Women of Color, Mixed Gender Adults, Teens, Kids, and classes specifically for Trauma Survivors. Scholarships are available for all classes. What is listed above are the current upcoming classes.

Please reach out to us at info@impactboston.org if you:

Don’t see a class for you
Want to submit a scholarship (download one here)
Think someone is a good fit for a class but is outside the listed age range
Are eligible for Massachusetts Victim’s Compensation Benefits & would like to use them for a class