On Wednesday, January 23rd, Fighting Chance Seattle offered a free community kickboxing and self-defense class at Umpqua Bank in Ballard. We taught our neighbors the basics of boxing, Muay Thai and karate (check out our Drop-In Kickboxing and Self-Defense for Women programs for more info).

Students from our Black Belt Program volunteered to hold pads and demonstrate techniques.

Emily demonstrates a Muay Thai knee strike. This is a common technique in mixed martial arts.

Ballard residents demonstrate a traditional karate “ready” stance.

Participants line up to practice Muay Thai elbow strikes with Krista.

Adding a shoulder grab transforms the Muay Thai knee strike into an effective women’s self-defense technique.

Thanks to Candace Cothran, the branch manager at Umpqua Bank for reaching out to us and hosting this free community event.