Underground Self-Defense
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Inclusive and beginner-friendly martial arts, kickboxing and self-defense in downtown Madison, WI. We help our students grow safer, stronger, together.
Empowerment Self-Defense Workshops
— Feel safer and more confident
— Embrace the freedom to go anywhere
— Find your voice and your personal power
Join our next session or book us for your team. Kickboxing
— Safe and accessible for beginners
— Get moving, feel great!
— Be part of an inclusive, supportive community
Purchase drop-in class to try! Class passes & memberships available. Shaolin Kempo
08/05/2026
Start the fall semester feeling safer and more confident!
Empowerment self-defense is a research-backed model that combines physical fighting skills with violence prevention skills like situational awareness, boundary-setting and assertive communication.
You’ll be amazed at what you can do, and at how much fun you’ll have doing it!
4-Week Women's Self-Defense Course
Tuesdays 6-8pm
September 15 - October 6
Use code SEPT26SAFE by 9/8 to save $50 and receive additional gifts.
We can’t wait to help you find the power in you.
08/05/2026
NEW! Curious about martial arts but don't know where to start? We've got you!
This 90-minute beginner workshop is a quick, fun introduction to the world of martial arts.
Tues, Sept 8th 6-7:30pm | $25
Learn about four ways of fighting:
🥋 Punching (and other hand strikes)
🥋 Kicking (and otherwise striking with legs)
🥋 Grappling (holding or locking joints for control or breaking) and
🥋 Felling (breaking opponent's balance to take them to the ground).
Learn about five kung fu animals:
Tiger, leopard, crane, snake and dragon.
Learn how to have high standards for safety and mutual respect in a martial arts setting, and how to recognize red flags.
Learn how to identify key differences between different styles of martial arts, and understand the pros and cons of various approaches.
Learn the essential strategies and mindset for how to stick with a practice long enough to move from beginner to intermediate or advanced.
This workshop is perfect for you if:
🥋 You're just curious.
🥋 You're interested in martial arts but you don't know where to start.
🥋 You did martial arts as a kid but don't know how to re-start as an adult.
🥋 You've tried martial arts before but have not found a good fit.
Space is limited so be sure to register in advance! We can't wait to introduce you to the world of martial arts. You're going to love it!! 🎉
07/09/2026
Book your free trial class today!
Kung Fu Kritters is a fun, developmentally appropriate early martial arts program for young children ages 4-7. Kid build gross motor skills and self-regulation skills in a playful, imaginative environment.
New students can start at any time!
06/23/2026
Only 5 spots left! Register by 7/19 with code JUL26SAFE for $50 off.
06/09/2026
We've been nominated for Madison Magazine's Best of Madison again! Please take a moment to vote for us by the end of June to show your support.
https://madisonmagazine.secondstreetapp.com/Best-of-Madison-2026/
People living in Dane County and bordering counties are eligible to vote. Select "Healthy Living" then scroll to "Martial Arts Studio" and vote for "Underground Self-Defense". If it's your first time voting, make sure to verify your email so you know your vote counted!
Thanks, friends 🧡
This program may be perfect for your kid if:
1) Your kid would benefit from finding balance in their body (either building body confidence or growing self-control)
2) You’ve struggled to find an activity that works due to anxiety, challenges meeting behavior expectations, or just not finding something that clicked (kids who avoid team sports often enjoy this more individual activity)
3) Your kid would benefit from strengthening their social and emotional skills
4) You’re looking for a fun, low pressure environment (not competition)
5) Martial arts seems interesting to your kid (…and you? Many of our parents join the class after their kids while the kids hang out together and play.)
Our kids program is designed by Master Ali Treviño-Murphy, a 5th degree black belt, professional social worker, and parent of a neurodivergent child. We understand the stressors for parents and kids, and we work intentionally to help every kid who enters our space to feel welcome, included, and empowered.
Youth programs available for ages 4-17.
Go to www.undergroundselfdefense.coop/youth-martial-arts to learn more and sign up for a trial class today.
Are you a pure beginner? Do you think this looks cool but some part of you doubts you could ever do this?
We got you!!!
Underground Self-Defense is the best place in Madison, WI to start kickboxing, martial arts or self-defense training from scratch.
All those doubts holding you back? We have heard them all before and we assure you, you’re just right for this just the way you are. In today’s body. In today’s shape. With today’s experience. You can start today!
Prefer to start with other pure beginners?
Try our 6-week beginner course: Intro to Kickboxing
Six 45-min classes focused on learning technique (not high cardio, although you will work) so you can safely hit heavy bags and use partnered equipment like mitts.
June 6 - July 18
Saturdays 1:15-2pm
$149 (includes hand wraps)
You can also start in any of our weekly drop-in classes!
These classes will have mixed experience levels but new students with no previous experience start all the time.
Our instructors will ensure you know exactly what to do, and our community will welcome and celebrate your new adventure with you!
We are experienced supporting students with a variety of modifications as needed, so as long as you are medically cleared for exercise, we can help you work with any limitations you may have. Your safety and wellbeing is our top priority.
The hardest part is getting yourself to your first class, and then you’ll have an activity built into your week that makes you feel great. You’ll be amazed at the transformation in your confidence, fitness and mood with any sort of regular training.
Sign up for a trial class ($25) or Intro to Kickboxing ($149) today!
We can’t wait to help you find the power in you.
05/21/2026
A quick, fun and q***r introduction to self-defense. 🙌🏼
05/21/2026
We have 3 introductory workshops for you this summer and new students can start in our weekly drop-in classes at any time!
Intro to Kickboxing (6-week beginner course)
Saturdays 1:15-2pm
June 6 - July 18 (no class July 4)
LGBTQ+ Self-Defense (90 min)
Tuesday, June 23rd | 6-7:30pm
Women’s Self-Defense (8-hour course)
Sundays 10am - 2pm
July 26 & August 2
We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again:
You do not need *any* experience, knowledge, or minimum fitness level to start.
You can totally do this. Yes, you!
The only way to know what you think is to try it. You might be surprised. 😉
Adults and teens can try a single drop-in class for $25. Kids can try it free.
Call (608) 251-7755
Email [email protected]
Message here
We’ll help you find the best option for you!
Safer, stronger, together.
05/06/2026
This popular course fills fast!
If you think kickboxing looks cool but you’re nervous to start— this is the course for you.
We welcome beginners of all body types, ages (adult), experience and fitness levels. That’s right— you don’t even need experience with exercise!
Learn the essential skills of striking for fitness and self-defense, and have fun doing it! You’ll be amazed at how much you can learn in 6 short weeks.
If you love it and want more, we’ve got options for you. Or, if you feel satisfied and ready to move on, you’ll walk away with an expanded toolkit of practical self-defense skills.
Grab your spot now. We can’t wait to help you find the power in you. 💥
Click here to claim your Sponsored Listing.
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Telephone
Address
532 State St
Madison, WI
53703