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January 2024 by TMB
Danae was fantastic in teaching self defense! My teenage daughter and I left feeling more confident, and had fun. Danae was great at answering our questions and role playing many different scenarios, and taught us different levels of defense. I highly recommend taking her class!
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January 2024 by Natania Martinez Kamin
The first time I went there already made me hooked.They are caring, funny, gentle and inviting. I love The “vibe” and the people. When you leave a place feeling good, you know there is some good energy being exchanged. Well done guys! Keep it up!!
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January 2024 by RockmanMN
First time BJJ student, have been very happy with the classes. Was unsure about taking the first step but have thoroughly enjoyed the past couple months. I am now happily addicted! Thanks!
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December 2023 by Janine F
I highly recommend Valley Self Defense to anyone, even older people, looking to learn self-defense. I started at age 61 with zero experience, and I am more confident and assertive than when I started. All of the instructors are top-notch, professional, and caring.
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December 2023 by Casey Aumann
The staff are all very welcoming and knowledgeable.They also foster a feeling of community which is really special. I love coming to all the classes I’ve tried so far, there’s always something new to learn and they make it really fun! I also enjoy their various workshop events they hold for really digging into different topics on defense and safety.
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December 2023 by Kaila Broad
I started taking classes at Valley Self Defense a few months ago and have gotten so much stronger and healthier and I absolutely love the courses. And Danae has been one of the best instructors I’ve ever had! And it doesn’t hurt that I’ve lost a few pounds.
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December 2023 by Adebisi Oyawale
A really awesome place that's very inclusive. Its awesome seeing femme and non binary presenting leaders. Instructors are great, have patience and know how to deal with trauma. A beautiful place for those escaping other areas and feel welcome.
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December 2023 by Liula Bey
My daughter is 16 and struggles a lot with mental health and cognitive delays. I have tried so many activities for her and nothing would motivate her until… we found you! The kid came home full of smiles and asking for more. She loved the instructor and the students. Her PCA also said many positive things about the BJJ class. Great work! Thank you!
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September 2023 by Google user
We were lucky enough to have two great instructors come out to our office to hold a self-defense class for our staff. Each one of us had something specific to learn about as well as the basics we all were taught. This class was more than \"just\" self-defense, it felt relevant, and addressed the mental part of self-defense as well as the physical. I shared my thoughts with 17 other nonprofit groups in our community in a meeting afterward and suggested they have trainings too. Invaluable! Thank you.
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September 2023 by St Croix Valley Habitat for Humanity
We were lucky enough to have two great instructors come out to our office to hold a self-defense class for our staff. Each one of us had something specific to learn about as well as the basics we all were taught. This class was more than "just" self-defense, it felt relevant, and addressed the mental part of self-defense as well as the physical. I shared my thoughts with 17 other nonprofit groups in our community in a meeting afterward and suggested they have trainings too. Invaluable! Thank you.
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August 2023 by Ryan
I’ve trained at multiple gyms over the years, but this gym was easily the most welcoming and ego free. Highly recommended.
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August 2023 by M T
Danae, Shelly, Peter and team at Valley Self Defense are an amazing, knowledgeable, versatile group with a wide range of expertise. I came to them over 2 years ago seeking training after experiencing a life-changing traumatic event. They quickly became a consistently kind and reliable source of support, and I continue to train with them when I can. I have been empowered by their trauma-informed self defense training, gun training, and advice on a variety of relevant topics. They have helped me develop a set of self defense strategies and create safety plans. My family and friends have also trained with them. This is more than a business—they genuinely care about helping others and making the world a better place. It touched my heart and boosted my courage when they (Danae, Shelly, Peter) showed up in support on the day that I read my victim impact statement in court. I am so grateful to know them and consider them my friends! Thank you Valley Self Defense!
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July 2023 by Nusaiba Imady
As a survivor it's incredibly difficult for me to find a space where I feel safe enough to work on how to protect myself. The emphasis on trauma informed trainers is felt throughout the class. This is truly one of the best places I have been, and I hope to be going again soon.
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July 2023 by Jonathan Lindgren
Instructor are very knowledgeable and have a wide depth of practical experience. Whether you are completely new to self defense, very experienced or just looking for a work out, Valley Self Defense has what you're looking for.
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July 2023 by Rachel Lindgren
So welcoming and truly happy to have me there! I had never been to a martial arts class or self defense class before, and they broke things down for me in a way that make it easier for me to follow when I was having a hard time visualizing the what to do.
