Self Defense

Real Self-Defense Is a Skill, Not a 90-Minute Quick Fix

Real self-defense takes practice. It means learning how to recognize potential danger, set boundaries, respond under pressure, and use physical skills when you need them.

At Underdog Martial Arts, we teach practical self-defense in a welcoming, supportive environment. No prior martial arts experience is necessary, and you never have to prove yourself to belong here.

Whether you're brand new to martial arts or looking to build on what you already know, we'll help you develop skills at your own pace, with experienced coaches and training partners who want to see you succeed.

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The Truth About Self-Defense Training

We wish we could tell you that we had one secret technique we could teach you in 90 minutes that would keep you safe in every situation.

We'd love to sell you that workshop. Unfortunately, it doesn't exist.

Real self-defense isn't about memorizing a handful of flashy moves and hoping you remember them when it matters. It's about developing practical skills through repetition, learning to recognize and respond to changing situations, and getting comfortable making decisions under pressure.

A single workshop can be a great introduction. It can help you recognize risks, practice setting boundaries, and start learning physical techniques. But lasting skills take time to develop.

We'd rather be honest about that than promise you something we can't deliver.

At Underdog, our goal is to help you build skills you can actually practice, improve, and carry with you beyond the gym.

Self-Defense Is Like Learning a Language or Swing Dancing

You wouldn't expect to become fluent in Spanish after one lesson. You wouldn't expect to lead a perfect swing dance after one afternoon.

Self-defense works the same way. Understanding a technique is a starting point. Learning to use it effectively takes practice.

Consistent Practice

Repetition helps turn unfamiliar movements into skills you can access more naturally. Regular training gives you opportunities to practice, make mistakes, build confidence, and improve over time. You don't have to be great on day one. You just have to start somewhere.

Expert Guidance

Good coaching makes a difference. Our instructors break down techniques into manageable steps, help you understand the mechanics behind them, and offer feedback so you can keep improving. We meet you where you are, whether that's your first class or your hundredth.

A Training Partner

You can practice movements by yourself, but self-defense involves other people. Training partners help you learn about distance, timing, balance, and resistance in a controlled environment. We build those skills progressively, with respect for individual boundaries and comfort levels.

You don't need to be tough, athletic, or fearless to begin. You just need a willingness to learn.

What You'll Actually Learn

Effective self-defense involves more than knowing how to throw a punch. We focus on four interconnected areas that help you understand your options before, during, and after a potentially dangerous encounter.

1. Striking

Learn the fundamentals of stance, footwork, punches, kicks, and defensive movement. We'll help you develop sound mechanics, understand distance, and practice responding to strikes in a structured training environment.

2. Wrestling and Clinch Work

Many physical confrontations happen at close range. Learn how to manage distance, maintain balance, respond to grabs, and understand the fundamentals of controlling space when someone gets close.

3. Ground Defense

If a confrontation takes you to the ground, knowing what to do matters. Learn positional awareness, how to protect yourself, and fundamental escape techniques that help you work toward a safer position.

4. Verbal Advocacy

Self-defense starts long before a physical confrontation. Learn to recognize potential warning signs, communicate clear boundaries, use your voice, and explore verbal de-escalation strategies. Physical force isn't always necessary, and creating distance or leaving a situation can be the best outcome.

No technique guarantees safety in every situation. Our goal is to give you more knowledge, more options, and more opportunities to practice making decisions.

Build Your Skills in Our Regular Classes

Self-defense isn't a separate set of tricks. It's the practical application of skills you can develop through consistent martial arts training.

Our Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and kickboxing classes give you opportunities to work on striking, close-range control, and ground defense with experienced coaches and training partners. Instead of practicing a move once and hoping you remember it, you can return to those skills week after week and see your progress.

And you don't have to figure it all out alone.

Underdog is an inclusive martial arts community with a nearly even gender balance. We welcome beginners, experienced martial artists, and people who have never set foot on a mat. We work to create a training environment where people can learn without the ego, intimidation, or pressure that can make starting something new feel difficult.

We also offer a dedicated Women's-Only Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu class on Fridays at 5:00 PM for women who prefer that training environment.

Come as you are. Learn at your own pace. Build skills with people who want you here.

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Meet Your Instructor: Colleen Daly

Colleen Daly is a self-defense instructor, competitive martial artist, and fitness professional with more than 12 years of experience in fitness and eight years in martial arts.

Her journey began in Washington, D.C., where she worked in nonprofit survivor support and group fitness before moving into competitive combat sports. Before a career-ending injury, Colleen earned a Black Belt in Fit-to-Fight Defensive Options, a modern Krav Maga system, and a Brown Belt in 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu. She competed against world champions in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and earned national recognition in kickboxing and boxing.

Colleen is also the founder of Guerrera, a women- and femme-centered self-defense organization that has taught thousands of participants across the country through ongoing classes, workshops, and intensives.

Her approach to self-defense recognizes that every person brings different experiences, concerns, and comfort levels to training. She believes people deserve practical instruction, thoughtful coaching, and an environment where they can learn without judgment.

Today, Colleen co-owns and operates Underdog Martial Arts in Asheville, North Carolina, alongside Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt Brian Asheland.

Always remember: You are worth fighting for.

Drop In and Get Started

Curious about self-defense training? Come take a class and see what we're about. No long-term commitment required, and no previous martial arts experience needed.

$25 per class
Drop-ins welcome
Monthly memberships and punch cards available for regular attendees

Train when your schedule allows, or make it a regular part of your routine. We'll help you find the right fit.

[View Class Schedule]

All We Need Is You.

You don't need experience. You don't need to be in shape. And you don't need to wait until you feel completely confident to get started.

If you're ready to move beyond quick fixes and start building practical skills that can grow with you, we'd love to meet you.

Come try a class, meet our coaches, and see if Underdog feels like the right fit. There's no pressure to have everything figured out before you walk through the door.

[Book Your Drop in Now]

Real Self-Defense Is a Skill, Not a 90-Minute Quick Fix

Real self-defense takes practice. It means learning how to recognize potential danger, set boundaries, respond under pressure, and use physical skills when you need them.

At Underdog Martial Arts, we teach practical self-defense in a welcoming, supportive environment. No prior martial arts experience is necessary, and you never have to prove yourself to belong here.

[View Class Schedule]

Drop In and Get Started

Curious about self-defense training? Come take a class and see what we're about. No long-term commitment required, and no previous martial arts experience needed.

$25 per class
Drop-ins welcome
Monthly memberships and punch cards available for regular attendees

Train when your schedule allows, or make it a regular part of your routine. We'll help you find the right fit.

[View Class Schedule]

All We Need Is You.

You don't need experience. You don't need to be in shape. And you don't need to wait until you feel completely confident to get started.

If you're ready to move beyond quick fixes and start building practical skills that can grow with you, we'd love to meet you.

Drop in for a class, meet our coaches, and see if Underdog feels like the right fit. There's no pressure to commit before you've had a chance to experience the training.

$25 per class. Drop-ins welcome.

Interested in a Private Group Workshop?

We also offer private group self-defense workshops for organizations, workplaces, community groups, and other gatherings. Whether you're introducing a group to the fundamentals or looking for a tailored training experience, we can work with you to discuss your goals and options.

[Inquire About Private Group Workshops]