Business Details
23 Years
experience
Empowerment Self-Defense Classes in Pittsburgh
Lioness Martial Arts has been dedicated to empowering individuals through self-defense education since 2003. Founded by instructors with decades of combined experience in Shorin-Ryu karate and Empowerment Self-Defense (ESD), we specialize in creating safe, inclusive learning environments for all genders and abilities. Our trauma-informed approach combines physical techniques with verbal strategies to address harassment and assault, backed by research showing ESD's effectiveness in reducing gender-based violence.Certified through the National Women's Martial Arts Federation and the International Karate Kobudo Federation, we serve Pittsburgh communities through public classes, private instruction, and organizational partnerships while maintaining active roles in professional martial arts networks.
Services
Self-Defense Classes
Custom Group Training
Corporate Safety Programs
Youth Empowerment Workshops
Active Bystander Training
Details
- Year established: 2003
Highlights and features
- Certified instructors with 20+ years of martial arts teaching experience
- Trauma-informed curriculum combining physical and verbal defense strategies
- Customizable training for corporations, schools, and community organizations
- Inclusive environment welcoming all genders and physical abilities
- Proven methodology reducing gender-based violence risk through ESD training
What people say
More confident
Empowering experience
Safe learning environment
Practical real-world skills
Excellent instructors
Services
Self-Defense Classes
Our Empowerment Self-Defense (ESD) courses teach physical techniques and verbal strategies to prevent and respond to harassment or assault. Students learn boundary setting, awareness skills, and practical defense moves adaptable for all ages and abilities. Classes emphasize confidence-building through trauma-informed instruction that prepares participants for real-world scenarios.
Custom Group Training
Tailored self-defense programs for organizations, families, and special interest groups. We adapt curriculum for specific needs including mother-child workshops, teen safety courses, and corporate safety training. Sessions can be conducted at client locations or our Pittsburgh facility with flexible scheduling options for short workshops or comprehensive multi-session programs.
Active Bystander Workshop
Two-hour program teaching safe methods to support others facing harassment. Participants practice de-escalation techniques and non-confrontational intervention strategies. The workshop balances theory with hands-on practice to develop practical skills for addressing public harassment while minimizing personal risk in diverse social contexts.
People
Mona MacDonald
Certified Self-Defense Instructor
First-degree black belt with NWMAF certification since 2009. Specializes in trauma-informed ESD instruction and instructor training through ESD Global. Combines martial arts expertise with community education initiatives to promote personal safety awareness.
Susan M. Dunn
Co-Founder
Sixth-degree black belt and martial arts educator with 20+ years of experience. Former lead instructor and curriculum developer. Provides strategic guidance while maintaining active roles in professional martial arts organizations and instructor certification programs.
Questions
What self-defense techniques do you teach?
We teach Empowerment Self-Defense combining physical techniques, verbal boundary-setting, and situational awareness. Curriculum includes releases from holds, strikes, and de-escalation strategies adaptable for all abilities.
Are classes available for different age groups?
Our programs accommodate ages 16+ with adaptive techniques for varying physical abilities. We offer mother-child workshops, teen-specific courses, and senior-friendly instruction focusing on practical self-defense applications.
Do you offer corporate training programs?
Yes, we customize safety training for businesses and nonprofits. Programs address workplace safety, bystander intervention, and gender-based violence prevention with flexible scheduling for organizational needs.
What payment options are available?
Standard course fee is $120 with flexible payment options available. No one is turned away for financial reasons through our pay-what-you-can policy.
Are instructors certified in self-defense training?
Our instructors hold certifications through the National Women's Martial Arts Federation and International Karate Kobudo Federation with 20+ years of combined teaching experience in trauma-informed self-defense methods.
