Y-WE Move invites youth to build practical skills for wellness and body awareness, while deepening their connection to themselves and each other. Through dance, martial arts, and other forms of physical expression, participants explore movement as both a source of joy and an act of resistance, reclaiming space, confidence, and freedom in their bodies.

Spring 2026: Self Defense

Facilitated by Rian Roberson

We are living in times when it may become necessary to defend ourselves and others from physical threats. This workshop series will provide practical skills in two dimensions of self-defense: psychological and physical. As prevention is the best defense, youth will learn skills, including de-escalation, boundary-setting, increasing awareness, and using one’s voice for protection. Participants will learn physical self-defense techniques, including hand strikes and kicks to vulnerable targets, which are designed to be accessible to people of all ages, body types, and experience. The goal of this workshop series is to provide youth with a foundation for self-defense, should they ever need it. This workshop series is facilitated by Rian Roberson, a licensed mental health counselor and martial artist with over a decade of training in kung fu and self-defense.

Friday, April 24, 2026 — 4:30–6:30 PM
Saturday, May 2, 2026 — 5:00–7:00 PM
Saturday, May 16, 2026 — 5:00–7:00 PM
Friday, June 5, 2026 — 4:30–6:30 PM

Location: Young Women Empowered (5623 Rainier Ave S, Seattle)

Fill out the Interest Form

Fall 2026: More information coming

Check back in with us in a few months!

Questions?

Please contact our Program Manager, Aya, at aya@y-we.org