OUR MISSION
We are a modern martial arts studio on a mission to empower women and girls through jiu jitsu, self-defense, kickboxing, and wellness coaching. We believe we deserve this space, and that equipping women and girls with the knowledge, expertise, and confidence to stand strong in this world should be the standard, not the exception.
And so it’s time. We are committed to ensuring that everyone who walks through our doors leaves feeling not just safe but capable and powerful. Ready to face anything in front of her with confidence.
JIU JITSU
Jiu Jitsu, ‘The Gentle Art,’ empowers women and girls through technique and leverage over brute strength, building personal security and inner confidence on and off the mat in a safe, supportive environment.
SELF-DEFENSE
Our self-defense program equips women and girls with practical skills for real-world threat situations, building confidence and mental resilience to help them feel secure in any environment.
KICKBOXING
Our kickboxing program emphasizes partnered mitt work, combining cardio with technique to build both striking and holding skills, giving participants a comprehensive kickboxing foundation.
WELLNESS
Our wellness program honors the unique stories of those who come through our door, offering cohorts, workshops, and coaching to support personal growth and emotional well-being.
MEET THE FOUNDER
Valerie Sizemore founded Femme Rising to create a safe, empowering space for women and girls in martial arts and self-defense. As a survivor of assault and a mother of two young daughters, Valerie sought martial arts as a way to take back her power and find security.
In her search, she found that most gyms were not designed with women and survivors in mind. Refusing to settle, Valerie envisioned a space where women could learn to defend themselves, feel confident, and break free from the expectations of traditional martial arts spaces.
Driven by her passion for empowerment and inclusivity, Valerie is pursuing her PhD in ethics at Vrije University in Amsterdam, dedicating her life to helping women rise, both on and off the mat. Valerie’s core belief is “we rise together.”
WHAT TO EXPECT
Our classes welcome all skill levels, focusing on building strong foundations in an encouraging, supportive space. Each session is crafted to help you feel confident and supported as you grow. For your first visit, we recommend arriving 10 minutes early to begin your journey with ease.
WHAT TO WEAR
We encourage you to wear whatever activewear allows you to feel most comfortable. Covering your arms and legs for added protection is entirely up to you. Please remove loose or bulky jewelry and leave your shoes at the mat’s edge before stepping on to begin class. We train barefoot or in socks – it’s your call!
WHAT TO BRING
Bring a water bottle to stay hydrated. We’ve got all the fitness, self-defense, and kickboxing gear you’ll need. You’re welcome to bring a towel should you prefer. Our amenities bar has complimentary little lifesavers like hair ties, dry shampoo, makeup wipes, and tampons – ready just for you!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Discover more about our studio, classes, and culture by exploring our FAQ section.
WHAT IS JIU JITSU EXACTLY?
Belts in jiu jitsu begin at white and progress through blue, purple, brown, and black. At Femme Rising, we are a no-gi studio, meaning we do not wear a gi (think kimono), and therefore, we do not wear or train with colored belts. However, we do promote individuals to different belt levels based on their growth and skill. Promotions and the receiving of belts are ceremonial, celebrating your progress and achievements.
Why is Jiu Jitsu a great choice for women and girls?
Jiu Jitsu empowers women with self-defense techniques that don’t depend on size or strength, using leverage and control instead. Since many attacks end up on the ground, Jiu Jitsu is especially valuable for women, providing effective strategies to defend against larger opponents. Beyond physical skills, Jiu Jitsu trains the mind, encouraging critical thinking, adaptability, and problem-solving. The practice builds confidence and mental resilience, helping women feel more secure, capable, and self-assured both on and off the mat.
I’m nervous and have never done anything like this before. What should I expect?
First, be proud of yourself for taking this step! Most women and girls here are new to martial arts—it hasn’t been designed for you until now. It’s normal to feel nervous, but at Femme Rising, your comfort is our priority. We encourage boundary setting and stopping if you feel uncomfortable. Remember, you’re in control, and we’re here to guide you. Our coaches are patient and experienced with beginners, ready to support you in a compassionate and encouraging environment every step of the way.
What are the "belts" in jiu jitsu?
Belts in jiu jitsu begin at white and progress through blue, purple, brown, and black. At Femme Rising, we are a no-gi studio, meaning we do not wear a gi, and therefore, we do not wear or train with colored belts. However, we do promote individuals to different belt levels based on their growth and skill. Promotions and the receiving of belts are ceremonial, celebrating your progress and achievements.
Do you offer advanced jiu jitsu classes?
For now, we are focused on introducing more women and girls to the fundamentals of jiu jitsu. Our main goal is to provide a welcoming and supportive environment for beginners. Many gyms already cater to advanced practitioners, so we’re creating a space where newcomers can thrive and feel empowered. As our community grows, we will add intermediate and advanced classes to support their journey and evolving needs.
Do I need to bring gloves to kickboxing?
Nope! We’ve got all the equipment you need. However, if you have your own pair and would like to bring them, you’re more than welcome to do so. For beginner kickboxing classes, we do not use or provide wrist wraps, but you are welcome to bring your own if you prefer.
Do you use punching bags for kickboxing?
No, we don’t use punching bags in our kickboxing classes. Instead, we practice partnered mitt work. This approach allows for more dynamic training, improving accuracy, timing, and reflexes. It also encourages connection, communication, and teamwork with your partner, making it a more engaging and interactive experience.
Do you offer fitness classes?
While we don’t offer standalone fitness classes, each self-defense and jiu jitsu class begins with 30 minutes of hiit-style fitness training. This ensures you’re building strength, endurance, and flexibility before diving into technique practice. It’s like getting the best of both worlds in every session!
What should I Wear?
We embrace a no-gi style, encouraging you to wear any activewear that makes you feel comfortable. If you prefer to cover your arms and legs for added protection during training, that’s entirely your choice—whatever suits you best! We train barefoot or in socks on the mat, so slides are perfect for arriving; just leave them at the mat’s edge before stepping on. You’re also welcome to keep your water bottle with your slides for easy access.
Can I Wear Jewelry? What About Nails?
It depends! Please remove any loose or bulky jewelry and any clothing with exposed zippers to keep you and your training partners safe. We provide trinket dishes in our lockers for your items, and you’re welcome to bring a lock. Small studs and piercings are fine as long as they have no sharp edges. For nails, focus on smooth, safe edges rather than length—medium or shorter nails are recommended to prevent injury.
What are the studio’s hygiene practices?
At Femme Rising, we prioritize cleanliness to ensure a safe, healthy environment. Our mats and equipment are sanitized after each class, and we ask all participants to practice good hygiene, including handwashing and wearing clean training clothes. We train barefoot or in socks, so slides or easy-to-remove footwear are suggested. Please store your shoes and water bottle at the mat’s edge before stepping on. Cover any scratches or cuts with bandages, available in our amenities area. If you’re feeling unwell, we ask that you stay home to prioritize everyone’s well-being.
Are you LGBTQIA+ inclusive?
Absolutely. At Femme Rising, we are committed to fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment. Our “women” and “girls” language extends to all genders and identities, including non-binary and trans individuals. Our space is open to anyone who has ever felt unsafe or out of place in traditional martial arts settings. We believe that no one should feel unsafe, bullied, or uncomfortable learning self-defense, and we are here to provide a safe place for that journey.
What Does "Femme" Mean?
At Femme Rising, “Femme” represents more than just a word—it’s a tribute to the French-American community that has been integral to our founding. The word “Femme” is French for “woman” and speaks to the feminine energy we aim to cultivate in our space. We also acknowledge that “Femme” holds deep significance in the queer community, especially within lesbian identity, as a term that expresses unique gender presentation. We honor this history, celebrating its meaningful role in LGBTQIA+ identity while also respecting its roots in the French-American community.
Do you offer discounts for income-sensitive individuals?
Absolutely. At Femme Rising, we reserve a portion of our memberships for income-sensitive individuals as part of our mission to make our services more accessible to women and girls. Individuals can inquire through our contact page here to see if they qualify for income-sensitive pricing, which offers 40% off standard rates. This discounted pricing applies to recurring memberships and monthly passes, helping make sure that financial limitations don’t stand in the way of anyone’s empowerment journey.