FREE Self Defense Workshop
VANCOUVER POLICE DEPARTMENT
Since 2013, a dedicated group of female VPD officers has been advancing women’s safety and giving back to the community through the VPD Women’s Personal Safety Team. Their goal is to educate, inspire, and empower women to take ownership of their personal safety. Their workshops teach simple, easy-to-remember tactics designed for women with no prior training, to be used in situations of unavoidable violence.
Warning: This video contains scenes that portray intimate partner violence and abuse. This content may be upsetting or triggering to some viewers.
Low-Cost Self Defense Classes
Below are community resources that offer affordable, beginner-friendly self-defense workshops and classes in the Greater Vancouver area.
Vancouver
Offers affordable community martial arts classes that build basic self-defense and confidence.
• Thunderbird Community Centre
Runs seasonal, low-cost martial arts and self-defense-style programs for beginners.
Provides accessible karate and self-defense-focused classes through city recreation programs.
Richmond
Home to community martial arts programs offering practical self-defense skills at low cost.
Offers seasonal, budget-friendly martial arts and self-defense classes through city recreation.
• City Centre Community Centre
Features affordable beginner martial arts and self-defense programs in Richmond’s rec guide.
North Vancouver
• Ron Andrews Community Recreation Centre
Offers affordable community classes that teach practical self-defense movements, partner drills, and basic martial arts skills.
• Delbrook Community Recreation Centre
Runs beginner-friendly taekwondo and martial arts programs focused on confidence, fitness, and basic self-defense.
• North Vancouver Recreation & Culture
Provides low-cost, seasonal martial arts and self-defense classes across multiple community centres.
West Vancouver
• West Vancouver Community Centre & Aquatic Centre
Hosts affordable, registered martial arts programs that support basic self-defense and physical confidence.
• West Vancouver Parks & Recreation
Offers community-run martial arts and self-defense classes through seasonal recreation programs.
• West Vancouver Secondary School Gym Facilities
Public gym spaces used for low-cost beginner martial arts programs offered through community recreation listings.
Burnaby
Hosts community rec programs including martial-arts/self-defense drop-ins and classes at accessible rates.
Offers affordable Martial Gym Self-Defenseclasses for older adults (e.g., seniors self-defense sessions).
• Burnaby Community Recreation Programs
Through the city’s rec registration system, you can find seasonal self-defense and martial arts classes at various centres with community pricing.
New Westminster
• Queensborough Community Centre
Community centre with gym and multipurpose spaces where affordable martial arts/self-defense programs are offered through city rec guides.
• Təməsew̓txʷ Aquatic and Community Centre
Large rec centre that hosts community programs and fitness/martial arts classes contributing to self-defense skill-building.
• New Westminster Parks & Recreation
Seasonal activity guide includes martial arts/self-defense programming at community spaces at affordable, registration-based pricing.
Coquitlam
Community rec centre with drop-in and registered fitness and gym programs where self-defense/martial arts classes are often offered.
Hosts affordable rec programs including martial arts, self-defense, and active classes through the city’s seasonal guides.
Offers a variety of community rec activities; check seasonal schedules for self-defense/martial arts options.
Port Coquitlam / Port Moody
• Port Coquitlam Community Centre
Public rec centre with rooms and spaces used for martial arts and self-defense programs in the city’s activity guide.
• Hyde Creek Recreation Centre
Recreation complex with a martials-arts-capable studio and rec classes that may include self-defense training.
• Tri-Cities Gracie Jiu-Jitsu (Port Moody)
Offers accessible Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu self-defense training with programs for kids, women, and adults.
Surrey
Large Surrey rec centre with gymspace and community programs — seasonal martial arts/self-defense classes are offered in rec guides.
• Cloverdale Recreation Centre
Community facility with fitness and rec programs; check seasonal schedules for martial arts or self-defense classes.
Popular rec hub hosting a variety of community activities; seasonal martial arts/self-defense offerings may be available.
Langley (City / Township)
Langley community centre with rec programs; browse seasonal activity schedules for self-defense/martial arts options.
• George Preston Recreation Centre
Community rec centre where registered programs like karate or basic martial arts can appear in seasonal guides.
• Walnut Grove Community Centre
Offers community rec programming; check current recreation guide for self-defense or martial arts classes.
White Rock
(White Rock Rec & Culture lists various recreational classes — search the current guide for self-defense/martial arts) *
Hosts community rec programs — seasonal martial arts/self-defense classes may be offered in the rec guide.
• White Rock Recreation & Culture Programs
Seasonal recreation activities — search for self-defense/martial arts entries in the activity schedule.
• White Rock Fitness & Gym Drop‑In
Multi-use gym and studio spaces often host community classes (e.g., martial arts) at affordable drop-in rates.
*Self-defense techniques and safety strategies involve inherent risks. Results vary based on individual ability, training, and circumstances. Seek qualified instruction where possible and use personal judgment.
*Information on this website is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal, medical, mental health, or professional self-defense advice.
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