Women's Self-Defense Classes in Greater New Orleans
Incendiary Training Services offers women-only self-defense classes in Metairie, Louisiana, led by the only African American female IKI-certified Krav Maga instructor in Louisiana. Classes are held Tuesdays and Thursdays, 6:30 PM to 7:15 PM, at 2315 N Woodlawn Ave Ste 104, Metairie, LA 70001. Your first class is a free evaluation class. No prior experience or equipment required.
Why This Training Works for Women
Our self-defense training is built for real-world scenarios, not competition. The techniques are straightforward, effective, and designed to work regardless of size or strength difference. There are no complex movements to memorize. You learn to respond instinctively under stress.
Our instructor, Afton Johnson, is IKI-certified (Israeli Krav International) and teaches from direct experience as both a survivor and a professional. Classes are women-only to create an environment where participants feel safe to practice and ask questions without hesitation.
Trauma-Informed Training
For ITS, trauma-informed means our class is built around choice and safety first. Nothing is mandatory, every technique is opt-in and demonstrated before anyone tries it. No one gets touched without saying yes first, and any woman can step off the mat at any point without having to explain why. The pacing is controlled, there's no surprise scenarios or ambush drills sprung on anyone. And Coach Afton, who's a survivor herself, built the class around that lens, so it's led by someone who understands what safety and control actually feel like from the inside.
What You'll Learn
- Threat recognition and situational awareness
- Verbal de-escalation techniques
- Defensive movements for the most common real-world scenarios
- Ground defense and escape fundamentals
- How to respond when avoidance is not possible
Class Details
- Who: Women only (18+). All fitness levels welcome.
- Experience required: None.
- Equipment: All provided. Wear comfortable athletic clothing.
- Schedule: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 6:30 PM to 7:15 PM
- Location: 2315 N Woodlawn Ave Ste 104, Metairie, LA 70001
Join a Class
Women's Group Workshops
In addition to the ongoing class, we deliver on-site women's self-defense group workshops at your workplace, campus, church, or community organization. We train:
- Employers running women's safety programming for staff
- Universities, student groups, and campus organizations
- Churches, community organizations, and neighborhood associations
- Apartment complexes and property managers running resident safety events
- Survivors of domestic violence, referred through partner organizations and therapists
We also offer private, individual women's self-defense instruction. Contact us to schedule private instruction or a group workshop.
Book a Group WorkshopService Area
Serving the Greater New Orleans area. Group workshops are mobile and delivered at your location. For general self-defense training for civilians and community groups, see self-defense training.
Frequently Asked Questions
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