Free Women's Self-Defense Seminar in Pasadena

Come curious, leave with a few new skills and a little more confidence. That is the pitch for the Women Empowered self-defense seminar that Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Pasadena is running on Sunday afternoon, October 18, and it costs nothing to take part. If you are scanning for things to do in Los Angeles that are free and actually useful, this one belongs on the list.

When: Sunday, October 18, 2026, 1:00 to 3:30 PM Where: 75 W Walnut St, Ste 110, Pasadena, CA 91103 Price: Free, RSVP required Who: Women and teens ages 13 and up, first-time students only

What to expect

The seminar is built for people who have never set foot on a mat. The instructors introduce beginner-friendly techniques in an encouraging room, where nobody is expected to know anything going in. The flyer frames the afternoon around three ideas: survival, fitness and empowerment. In practice that means hands-on partner drills, simple escapes and a chance to see how Gracie Jiu-Jitsu approaches real-world situations.

Gracie Jiu-Jitsu is a grappling-based martial art that emphasizes leverage and technique over size and strength, which is why it is a common starting point for self-defense classes. The program is led by the school's own team of instructors, and attendees can expect free giveaways and prizes along with the instruction.

Practical details

Wear comfortable black workout attire and bring water. Participation is free, but you must RSVP in advance to hold your spot, so do not plan on just showing up. The organizers ask that attendees be first-time students, which keeps the room focused on true beginners.

For RSVPs, the flyer lists the school's phone number, (626) 633-7503, and the email info@gjjpasadena.com. More about the program is on the school's website at gjjpasadena.com. The listing on AllEvents has the same details if you want to double-check before you go.

Getting there

The school sits on Walnut Street in the heart of Pasadena, a short walk from Old Pasadena and the Metro A Line, so you can pair the seminar with lunch or a stroll before or after. Street and garage parking is common in the area, but give yourself extra time on a Sunday afternoon.

If you are building out a weekend plan, this pairs well with the other LA events this weekend, and it is a good one to bring a friend, a sister or a teenage daughter to. Browse more in Pasadena and our arts and culture section.