Pay what you can at this self-defense seminar for women in Charlotte

“I want to create a space that’s welcoming to whoever wants to learn,” explained Jax Hendrickson, the owner of Igneus Self Defense. 

Why it matters: Hendrickson’s classes are donation-based and no one is turned away for lack of funds in an effort to make self-defense more accessible for women in Charlotte.

How it works: Hendrickson uses a mix of role-play and creative problem-solving during her class. “We’ll go around the room and do scenarios and some groundwork,” she said.

• She also offers foundational information, like how to use your center of gravity to your advantage and the pros and cons of using weapons.
• She hosts her classes as pop-ups at local gyms around the city, you can keep up with the schedule on Instagram.
• “Everyone is welcome — whatever level you’re at,” she said.

Flashback: Hendrickson founded Igneus Self Defense in September 2022.

• Before that, she spent two years in law enforcement.
• And she’s dabbled in almost every martial art practice there is. “I’ve been taught by over 30 instructors,” she said.
• Her years of training led her to ultimately create Igneus as safe space for women to ask the questions “they may be too embarrassed to ask at a typical jiu-jitsu gym,” Hendrickson explained.

What’s next: Hendrickson is teaching a self-defense seminar for women this Saturday, July 8 from 2-5pm at House of Eight Limbs, a martial arts gym right outside of NoDa.

• It’s open to all fitness levels and ages — you can register via EventBrite.
• The suggested donation is $45, but everyone is welcome regardless of their financial situation.