“Hope is a ladder”
Help survivors write their next chapter
What does it mean to be a chapter? It means stepping up for our community in a real, tangible way—helping young girls build confidence and strength so they’re less likely to become targets, and creating a safe space for women who’ve survived abuse to reconnect with their sense of self.
Each chapter commits to offering free self-defense and martial arts classes to survivors of abuse and violence, reaching out to local shelters, hosting monthly women’s sparring sessions open to all gyms in their local area, and joining forces with other organizations that align with our mission to amplify our impact.
Your gym will instill a sense of community and more importantly prove they give back to the community.
KAIZEN MMA
When we first started, Kaizen MMA was the very first gym to believe in our vision—and their support has been instrumental in shaping what we are today. From day one, Kaizen embraced our mission to offer free women’s self-defense classes, helping us turn that dream into a reality. Their belief in us and their willingness to fund our potential helped launch our program, and thanks to them, we’ve been able to expand and offer more chapters to communities in need.
At Kaizen MMA, the philosophy of "Kaizen," or continuous improvement, isn’t just something they teach in their classes—it’s something they live by every single day. Whether you're looking to get in shape, learn self-defense, or compete at the highest levels, their world-class training is designed to meet you where you are. They foster a supportive, family-friendly environment for students of all ages and skill levels, making everyone feel welcome and capable.
Kaizen MMA’s success speaks for itself. As Virginia’s most successful martial arts team, they’ve trained numerous athletes who’ve gone on to compete in top organizations like UFC, Bellator, and One Championship, as well as national and international champions in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, boxing, and more. Their commitment to excellence has not only made them a pillar in the martial arts community but also a vital partner in our mission.
We are forever grateful to Kaizen MMA for their early belief in us and for helping us grow into the organization we are today. Their support continues to drive our success, allowing us to reach more women and offer life-changing self-defense education in communities all over.
NINE REALMS MMA
We’re beyond excited to share that Nine Realms Fitness has officially become our second chapter, marking a major milestone for our organization. This partnership has really helped solidify our presence, and we couldn’t think of a better fit. I’ve known Melissa Peterson for years, and she’s not just an incredible coach—she’s been a fierce advocate for empowering women in her community. Her passion for supporting women and helping them grow physically and mentally makes Nine Realms the perfect place to continue our mission.
Melissa and the team at Nine Realms have fully committed to upholding the values and standards of being a C/C Chapter member, and we’re thrilled to have them on board. Nine Realms offers a range of fighter-based programs, including Nine Realms MMA, Fluffy BJJ Team SAS, Muay Thai, and Tactical Training. Whether you’re looking to step up your training or simply learn skills that can help you protect yourself, this is the place to do it.
If you’re tired of the same old gym routine and want something more intense and rewarding, Nine Realms is the place to be. It’s not just about getting fit—it’s about learning real, practical skills in an environment that pushes you to be your best. We’re so proud to have Nine Realms as part of our family and can’t wait to see the amazing things we’ll accomplish together.