Rise With Us

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

While we don’t offer standalone fitness classes, each self-defense and jiu jitsu class begins with 30 minutes of conditioning and 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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 here through our contact page 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.