UPDATE: Due to unforeseen circumstances, this event has been postponed.
Although martial arts has been a central part of many political parties and community organizations throughout history, it is often an inaccessible space for working-class people–even more so if you are Black, disabled, queer, transgender, or belong to any other number of marginalized identity groups.
Because of this inaccessibility, and for the sake of both tactical strategy and empowerment, the Indianapolis Liberation Center invites the community to our first Self-Defense for Liberation class on Saturday, April 26 from 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm. Local Jiu-Jitsu instructor Jared Loper will teach attendees basic self-defense techniques and tactics. Based out of Academic Grappling, a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu gym just north of Indianapolis, Jared is a black belt with over a decade of Jiu-Jitsu experience and has been a public education teacher for nearly as long. Jared’s main focus in his work is addressing issues of racial and social disparity while providing professional Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu instruction in a safe, open environment for all to participate in without fear of prejudice.
What many may not know is that even some of the revolutionary and highly-regarded political parties that inspire our own work considered self-defense to be one of their leading principles. For example, the Black Panther Party started as the Black Panther Party for Self-Defense, and was originally formed in order to protect civil rights activists and their families from the violence of the KKK and other racist vigilantes. In more recent times, Nino Brown’s Healthy Hood, based out of Chicago, has centered self-defense as a part of their programming. Through innovative programming grounded in restorative practices and radical healing, Healthy Hood Chicago confronts systemic injustices, addresses health disparities, engages in powerful arts programming, and nurtures collective resilience.
As so many of our working-class neighbors come under attack by the escalating repression of the billionaire class led by Trump, it is critical to revive this legacy of self-defense. This class offers an opportunity to empower and further build our community, as well as transform people’s minds through the development of their own confidence and sense of security in their physical selves.
This class is meant for beginners, and no experience of any kind is required to attend. Registration is required, so reserve your spot today!
“Civilize the mind, but make savage the body.” – Mao Zedong
Featured photo: compilation of self defense practice.