Supernova

“To keep the body in good health is a duty… otherwise we shall not be able to keep our mind strong and clear.”  ~Buddha

Our Mission

To teach students self-defense skills so that they may gain more confidence and peace of mind in their lives.

Our Style: Tomoe Ryu Combat Judo

Hi Folks! Tomoe Ryu is a self-defense system inspired by the needs of queer folks, who face the possibility of violence over who they are and whom they choose to love.

This system is based in judo, but we employ techniques from arts such as Brazilian jujitsu, boxing, wrestling, taekwondo, and muay thai. Tomoe Ryu frames these techniques within simple principles of “seiryoku zenyo” (maximum efficiency) and “jita kyoei” (mutual benefit).

Our teaching staff are not mere allies, we are all queer-identified. Our curriculum is dynamic, developed over years of watching video, interviewing victims of violence, and our own experience as queers. Basically, most of us have been there. We cover:

  • Conflict Avoidance
  • Legal Awareness
  • Verbal self-defense (Verbal judo)
  • Nonlethal self-defense tools, such as sticks and pepper spray, and improvised tools, such as water bottles and keys.
  • Striking and kicking
  • Grappling, rolling, and falling
  • Takedowns and locks

Practicing self-defense techniques is like practicing fire and earthquake drills. Does it guarantee your safety? NO. But can it help increase your odds of survival? Absolutely.

Self-defense is a process. Real threats must be met with real commitments to our safety and our lives. It is practice, process, practice—regardless of what style you practice, self-defense should be part of every LGBT person’s regular wellness routine. 

SUPERNOVA MARTIAL ARTS Practices each Tuesday in partnership with the TransLatin@ Coalition. 7-9 pm (3055 Wilshire Blvd. LA, CA 90010 3rd floor).

www.queerselfdefense.com and www.facebook.com/groups/SupernovaSelfDefense/