We think so, too - but the unfortunate reality is that girls and women are frequent targets for acts of violence and hostility. We consistently hear from girls and women who are nervous about riding public transit, walking alone, or who have been victims of intimate partner violence, and we're here to end the cycle of women living in fear.

Even if an aggressor is larger and stronger, techniques to survive and get to safety exist and can save your life, or the lives of your loved ones. Civilian Self Defense Academy is committed to teaching self-defense that actually works, with techniques that have been tested against larger opponents with repeatable results. For the first time in our company's history, we are thrilled to bring you Tough Targets Self Defense - developed by an accomplished fighter and Law Enforcement Professional - our first program specifically designed to train girls and women to protect and defend themslves against violence and aggression, both in and out of the home.

Tough Targets is our signature girls and womens' only MMA program, designed to provide girls and women with an introduction to the training they need to go from being an easy target to a tough target, and - with continued training, an attacker's worst nightmare.

Our program is based in mixed martial arts (MMA), with a particular emphasis on techniques from Brazilian jiu- jitsu, boxing and kickboxing. Best of all, Tough Targets is designed by two high-level female martial artists - a competitive and highly decorated fighter, and a Law Enforcement Professional. Together, they’ve developed a course curriculum based on some of the most common acts of aggression that they’ve seen inflicted upon girls and women - including common attacks in intimate-partner violence settings, as well as scenarios that they've seen in public.

Each technique that you'll learn has been pressure-tested (practiced in as realistic a way as possible, using maximally safe levels of speed, force and aggression) against larger, stronger opponents. This ensures that Tough Targets will bring you and your loved ones the highest level of realistic, practical training possible. Students will be able to learn in a place of support and empowerment, while feeling safe in a training environment with other females. Spots are limited to maintain a high quality learning environment, so sign up while you can!

Ready to Roll is an online program designed to increase strength, mobility and flexibility for BJJ practioners. If you're committed to sticking with Brazillian Jiu-jitsu, Ready to Roll is an excellent addition to your training, and can be done in your home or gym of choice! All graduates will receive their discount code upon completion of Tough Targets

Tanuki Martial Arts, located at Danforth and Logan, offers classes for kids and adults in kickboxing, Brazillian Jiu-Jitsu, and boxing. Tanuki Martial Arts aims to affirm all peoples in the sport of martial arts. Develop work ethic, dedication and technique in a community of learners, teachers and competitors. Receive a free week of unlimited classes at Tanuki Martial Arts upon completion of Tough Targets Level 1.

Marianna Zafiroudis is an accomplished multi-disciplinary martial artist, competitive fighter, and the co-owner of Toronto's Tanuki Martial Arts. She's got over 50 boxing fights under her belt, as well as dozens of Brazillian jiu-jitsu matches, where she's ranked silver against some of the best BJJ athletes on the globe. Marianna is a 2x European International Brazilian jiu-jitsu federation (IBJJF) gold medalist, Asian IBJJF gold medalist, 2x IBJJF masters world medalist, New York No-Gi gold medalist, Ringside World Boxing gold medalist and Golden Gloves medalist. In addition to teaching at Tanuki Martial Arts, continuing her competitive career and coaching other fighters, Marianna is also a fully qualified Child & Youth Worker. She has extensive experience in counselling and therapeutic rapport and has worked with at-risk and high needs children in residential, congregate and school settings. Marianna's goal and passion is to nurture confidence and self-worth in future generations of athletes!

Each session of Tough Targets also features a rotating second coach who is both a high-ranking martial artist and either actively works in, or has worked in, law enforcement. They'll bring their expertise from years of experience dealing hands-on with real-life violence, and coach you on techniques to prevent and de-escalate potentially violent scenarios. Your law enforcement coach will also bring high-level martial arts skills with them to each seminar, so that you're learning self-defense across all fronts, in terms of physical technique, as well as receiving expertise from someone who knows all too well how real-life violence unfolds.