FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is Ohana Self-Defense?
Ohana is a trauma-informed, community-centered nonprofit that offers free self-defense classes to survivors of violence and those most at risk of harm—including LGBTQIA2S+, BIPOC, MMIW, unhoused, neurodivergent, and sex worker communities. We blend real-world self-defense techniques with empowerment-based education.
Is Ohana only for survivors?
No. While our program is rooted in lived survivor experience, we welcome participants ages 14+—including allies who’ve never experienced violence. We believe the highest goal is a world where no one has to survive what we did. That starts with prevention, education, and shared responsibility.
What ages can participate?
Our core program is for adult women and allies. A separate youth 14+ curriculum focuses on violence prevention and social-emotional safety tools.
What does trauma-informed mean?
It means we understand how trauma impacts the body, brain, and nervous system—and we create space for people to move at their own pace, with choice, consent, and care. This includes options like reset rooms once we move into our permanent home, grounding techniques, and no-touch participation.
Who teaches the classes?
All Ohana educators are trained through a trauma-informed lens and have lived experience relevant to the populations we serve. We are survivors, protectors, and community members dedicated to co-creating safety with you.
Where do classes happen?
Initial community classes are held at Fourth Plain Community Commons. Our regular 3-day/week classes launch this fall at River City Church in Vancouver, WA. A permanent teaching facility is planned for the near future.
Do I need to be in shape to join?
Nope. Come as you are. Ohana welcomes all bodies, all fitness levels, all backgrounds. You’ll never be judged for your strength, mobility, or experience. Everyone starts somewhere—and you’re not alone here.
Can allies join the class too?
Yes. Allies are encouraged to participate and encouraged to support survivors in Ohana through any gift - even $1. We offer a unique two-lane model that supports healing and prevention—side by side.
What if I’m neurodivergent, disabled, or triggered during class?
You matter, and you belong. We offer multiple forms of participation -- sensory-aware instruction, and accommodations wherever possible. You're in control of your pace and your body.
Is this like MMA or martial arts?
Yes—and no. Our curriculum draws from real MMA techniques because we believe survivors deserve skills that work in real situations. But unlike many gyms, our focus is not on conditioning, competition or aggression. We train to disengage, neutralize, and escape to safety, so we will live to see the next day.
What type of training do instructors have? Are they qualified to teach these skills?
We have carefully hand-picked top female talent from a variety of MMA disciplines. Our coaches are trained in Ohana curriculum, cross-trained in trauma-informed care, and crisis management. Ohana youth coaches are mandatory reporters. This is NOT an academy -- we don't pass out belts or trophies when students learn how to disengage, neutralize, and escape an attack on their lives.
Is this a religious organization?
No. We honor all beliefs and cultural backgrounds and are committed to being an inclusive, affirming space for everyone.
How can I help?
You can donate, share our mission, or attend a class yourself. Allies are a vital part of this movement—and so are you.
✅ Need more help?
Contact us at ohana.swwa@outlook.com or follow us on social media @OhanaSelfDefense. You are never alone in this work.
GLOSSARY OF TERMS
🧠 Glossary of Terms – What We Mean When We Say…
Aloha
More than a greeting—aloha is a way of being rooted in love, compassion, connection, and mutual respect.
Ally
A person who stands with and uplifts marginalized communities—even if they don’t belong to those communities. In our space, allies help build the future we all deserve.
BIPOC
Black, Indigenous, and People of Color. This term centers those most impacted by systemic racism and colonial violence.
Boundary-Setting
The practice of clearly communicating what is and isn’t okay. We teach physical, emotional, and verbal boundary-setting—because safety begins with voice and choice.
Code of Conduct
A shared agreement to maintain safety, inclusion, and respect. It outlines behavior expectations for all who participate in Ohana, because we protect each other.
Consent
Clear, enthusiastic, informed, and revocable agreement. If it’s not a hell yes, it’s a no. We apply this principle to physical contact, conversations, and training.
De-escalation
Strategies to reduce conflict, tension, or potential violence without physical force. Includes voice control, posture, active listening, and setting firm boundaries.
Disengage – Neutralize – Escape
Our three-part strategy for real-world defense:
Disengage from a threat whenever possible
Neutralize if you must (through strikes, blocks, or joint locks)
Escape to safety and support
We don’t train to win. We train to survive, protect, and reclaim freedom.
DV
Domestic violence.
Empowerment-Based
A teaching model grounded in the belief that everyone has the right to defend themselves. We use physical, emotional, and verbal tools to build confidence, boundaries, and resilience.
Fight / Flight / Freeze / Fawn
The body’s natural trauma responses to danger. Our training helps normalize these reactions and offer tools to respond, reset, and stay safe.
Gender-Expansive
Anyone whose gender identity goes beyond the binary of “male” or “female.” This includes nonbinary, genderfluid, Two-Spirit, and other identities. All gender-expansive people are welcome here.
Grounding Technique
Tools that reconnect you with the present when triggered or overwhelmed. Includes breathwork, movement, sensory exercises, and mindfulness—used throughout class.
Intuitive Defense
Trusting your gut. Reclaiming the body’s natural instincts that trauma may have silenced. This includes practicing awareness, early boundary setting, and reading energy in a room.
Joint Lock
A controlled technique used to immobilize or safely restrain an attacker. Often taught in advanced levels to redirect harm without escalating violence.
LGBTQIA2S+
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer or Questioning, Intersex, Asexual, and others whose identities are outside the cisgender-heterosexual norm. Our program is designed with LGBTQIA+ inclusion at its core.
MMIW
Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (and Two-Spirit Relatives). A movement for justice and visibility in response to ongoing violence and systemic neglect of Indigenous lives.
Neurodiverse / Neurodivergent
Describes people whose brains work differently from what society considers "typical"—including ADHD, autism, PTSD, dyslexia, and others. We build our classes to be inclusive, sensory-aware, and choice-driven.
ʻOhana
Hawaiian for “family”—not just biological, but chosen family bound by care, safety, and community. No one gets left behind here.
Power Dynamic
The unspoken systems of privilege, control, or status that can affect how people interact. We name and dismantle unhealthy power dynamics in order to build authentic, safe connection.
Reset Room
A quiet, private space available during classes for anyone feeling triggered, overwhelmed, or needing time to breathe. No explanation required. Just take care of yourself.
Sex Worker
A person who consensually exchanges sexual services for compensation. We honor the rights, safety, and voices of sex workers. You belong here.
Survivor
Someone who has experienced violence, abuse, or trauma. Whether you’re in crisis, healing, or thriving—your story is respected, and your presence is powerful.
Trauma-Informed
An approach that recognizes how trauma affects the body and brain. We prioritize emotional safety, voice, and trust—because healing and learning must go hand in hand.