Participants do groundwork at an Igneus workshop held in June at Burn Boot Camp Steele Creek. Photo: McKenzie Rankin
A former police officer is offering affordable self-defense courses for women in Charlotte.
“I want to create a space that’s welcoming to whoever wants to learn,” explained Jax Hendrickson, the owner of Igneus Self Defense.
Why it matters: Hendrickson’s classes are donation-based and no one is turned away for lack of funds in an effort to make self-defense more accessible for women in Charlotte.
How it works: Hendrickson uses a mix of role-play and creative problem-solving during her class. “We’ll go around the room and do scenarios and some groundwork,” she said.
- She also offers foundational information, like how to use your center of gravity to your advantage and the pros and cons of using weapons.
- She hosts her classes as pop-ups at local gyms around the city, you can keep up with the schedule on Instagram.
- “Everyone is welcome — whatever level you’re at,” she said.
Hendricksons (pictured center right) chats through various scenarios with participants at her June workshop in Steele Creek. Photo: McKenzie Rankin/Axios
Flashback: Hendrickson founded Igneus Self Defense in September 2022.
- Before that, she spent two years in law enforcement.
- And she’s dabbled in almost every martial art practice there is. “I’ve been taught by over 30 instructors,” she said.
- Her years of training led her to ultimately create Igneus as safe space for women to ask the questions “they may be too embarrassed to ask at a typical jiu-jitsu gym,” Hendrickson explained.
Hendrickson demonstrates how pressure points can be used in self-defense. Photo: McKenzie Rankin/Axios
What’s next: Hendrickson is teaching a self-defense seminar for women this Saturday, July 8 from 2-5pm at House of Eight Limbs, a martial arts gym right outside of NoDa.
- It’s open to all fitness levels and ages — you can register via EventBrite.
- The suggested donation is $45, but everyone is welcome regardless of their financial situation.
