Self-Defense Workshops

Our workshops focus on practical, real-world application of traditional techniques, emphasizing situational awareness, and escaping grabs, strikes, or bear hugs. Designed for all fitness levels, it builds confidence through scenario-based training and efficient counter-strikes targeting vulnerable areas.

Our community self-defense classes and workshops are open to residents across West Los Angeles, Santa Monica, and surrounding neighborhoods. No prior martial arts experience is required—perfect for older teens, busy professionals, and community members looking for practical, reliable safety skills.

Class Duration

90-Minute Intensive

Experience Required

None (All Levels Welcome)

Focus Area

Real World Tactics


“Not only will you learn self-defense,
but you will have more self-confidence, discipline, and drive to accomplish goals.”


— SENPAI MIKE LAVIN

Workshop Curriculum

Practical Self-Defense

The focus is on avoiding confrontation, developing situational awareness, and using body weight for leverage, not just strength.

Fundamental Skills

These techniques cover hair grabs, headlocks, rear chokes, and striking techniques designed for high-stress situations.

Kata Application (Bunkai)

Teaches how traditional moves translate directly into real-world applications, such as how to break grips and execute simple takedowns.

Stress Management & Drills

This training includes scenario-based role-playing to train your mind and body to stay calm and react efficiently.

Key Focus Areas

We break down self-protection into clear, repeatable mechanics so you can safely and effectively neutralize threats under stress.
  • Striking: Utilizing palms, elbows, and knees for maximum impact without injuring yourself.
  • Escape Tactics: Fast, efficient physical releases from high-stress chokes, bear hugs, and holds.
  • Awareness: Cultivating tactical observation skills to identify threats and avenues of escape before confrontation happens.
A participant practicing an immediate counter-maneuver to escape a simulated headlock or chokehold during a seminar drill.
Two participants practicing a leverage-based wrist release technique during a partner drill in a martial arts school.
A row of workshop participants practicing defensive push off roll hip movements and bridge escapes on the dojo floor mats under instructor guidance.
Two martial arts practitioners demonstrating a close-quarters leverage technique to redirect an opponent's force inside a traditional dojo setting.
Women practicing bridge and roll ground escape tactics and defensive guard positioning during a self-defense workshop inside a West Los Angeles martial arts dojo.
A martial arts instructor demonstrating a leveraged wrist grab escape and frame control to a participant during an outdoor training session.
Workshop participants practicing assertive boundary-setting and maintaining distance during an outdoor community self-defense seminar in a Santa Monica park.
n instructor guiding a participant on how to establish a strong stance and defensive upper-body frame during an outdoor workshop.
An instructor demonstrating how to brace and deliver an effective knee strike counter-maneuver during a community safety workshop.

“I enjoyed the self-defense class and it being hands on! The instructors were great and very knowledgeable.”


— Sara, Workshop Participant


“The self-defense class was incredibly helpful, teaching simple but effective moves and responses. It was great to work directly with the instructors after each demonstration to practice and get a feel for the movements. Everyone involved was extremely knowledgeable, skilled and kind.”


— Nanette, Workshop Participant

Expert World-Class Instruction

Senpai Crystal Villagran — 4th Dan / Goju-Ryu Seiwa-Kai

Senpai Crystal Villagran, 4th Dan martial arts instructor, smiling in a traditional white karate gi at Karate of LA.

Senpai Crystal Villagran has been dedicated to the traditional art of Goju-Ryu Seiwa-Kai for over two decades. Prior to joining our dojo, she trained in Shito Ryu for years, and holds a brown belt in that style. This brings an expertise in kata, bunkai, and agility to her practice in Goju-Ryu Seiwa-Kai. As an instructor, Senpai Crystal brings a wealth of technical expertise and a passion for practical self defense to the mat. Her self defense strategies utilize realistic, effective techniques designed for real-world safety and situational awareness.

Senpai Crystal is committed to fostering a training environment built on the foundation of mutual respect. She believes that every student, regardless of age or rank, deserves to be treated with a high level of dignity and personal attention. She strives to create a dojo culture where every student is valued, heard, and supported in their individual journey.

Whether leading specialized self-defense workshops, high-intensity fitness drills, or refining traditional forms, Senpai Crystal focuses on empowering her students with confidence, focus, and a deep respect for the martial arts tradition.

Senpai Mike Lavin — 4th Dan / Goju-Ryu Seiwa-Kai

Senpai Mike Lavin, 4th Dan, demonstrating a defensive karate stance in a traditional white gi at the Karate of LA dojo.

Senpai Mike Lavin balances rigorous traditional discipline with an approachable, student-centered coaching style. He is dedicated to creating a training atmosphere where hard work is met with unwavering support. He operates on the principle that the dojo is a place of equal opportunity, ensuring every student is treated with a high level of respect, dignity, and personal mentorship.

As an instructor for specialized self-defense classes, he focuses on situational awareness and techniques that are effective regardless of a student’s size or strength. Senpai Mike’s teaching is characterized by clarity and depth.

Before joining Goju-Ryu Seiwa-Kai, Senpai Mike spent years practicing Isshin-Ryu, providing him with a unique multi-faceted perspective on kata and technical execution. This combination brings fast, reflexive movement and defensive speed to his practice. While he is a formidable practitioner, he is particularly drawn to the meditative nature of karate, viewing the dojo as a space for mental clarity and focus.

Frequently Asked Questions

Please wear comfortable, flexible workout attire such as sweatpants, leggings, or athletic shorts along with a standard t-shirt. No specialized uniforms or martial arts gear are necessary. Also, please remember to bring a bottle of water to stay hydrated throughout the 90-minute session!

Not at all! Our practical self-defense classes are designed specifically for absolute beginners of all fitness levels. We break down every movement slowly in a highly supportive, safe environment.

Yes, absolutely. Our entire curriculum focuses on situational awareness, structural leverage, and targeting vulnerable body points rather than relying on pure physical size or muscular strength.

HAVE QUESTIONS BEFORE ENROLLING?

Not sure if this class is the right fit for you? Send us a quick message below. Senpai Crystal or Senpai Mike will personally review your question and get back to you right away!

GET STARTED
RESERVE YOUR SPOT!

Ready to build life-saving habits and practical safety skills? Join our next self-defense workshop for just $25 per class. Space is limited, so reserve your spot today!

Official Goju-Ryu Seiwa-Kai logo featuring a traditional clenched fist inside a red circle, branded for Karate of LA martial arts school.

CONTACT US
GOJU-RYU SEIWA-KAI KARATE OF LA

12416 Santa Monica Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90025

424-273-1000
[email protected]

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