Underground Self-Defense

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Underground Self-Defense 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 Karate
— Holistic wellness and practical self-defense
— Develop a discipline to be proud of
— Befriend fellow geeks, nerds and more! Start your martial arts journey today.

Grab your sister/daughter/friend and finally take the self-defense class you’ve been thinking about for so long!We’re he...
10/13/2026

Grab your sister/daughter/friend and finally take the self-defense class you’ve been thinking about for so long!

We’re hearing from women that the news has really affected them lately, and I’m telling you— there is no better pick me up than self-defense training!!!

Learn essential preventions skills so you feel confident to walk through the world freely. Plus, learn to strike for power and accuracy on our heavy bags and escape grabs and holds from our trained male practice attackers.

This course comes with 2 free weeks unlimited drop in classes at Underground Self-Defense (4 with early registration deal!) and lifetime access to our online companion course so you’ll always have the lessons at your fingertips.

What are you waiting for? Register by 10/27 to get $50
off.

We can’t wait to help you find the power in you.

Curious about martial arts but don’t know where to start? We’ve got you!This 90-minute beginner workshop is a quick, fun...
09/14/2026

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, Oct 27th 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!! 🎉

Feel safer and more confident!Empowerment self-defense is a research-backed model that combines physical fighting skills...
09/09/2026

Feel 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.

Book your free trial class today! Kung Fu Kritters is a fun, developmentally appropriate early martial arts program for ...
09/08/2026

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!

It’s a great time to start self-defense, martial arts or kickboxing! A couple of changes to highlight:NEW weekly drop-in...
09/01/2026

It’s a great time to start self-defense, martial arts or kickboxing!

A couple of changes to highlight:
NEW weekly drop-in self-defense classes
NEW Intro to Martial Arts Workshops
Monday classes moving one hour later

NEW! Weekly drop-in self-defense classes start September 3rd!Drop in for a refresher or to start or deepen your self-def...
08/28/2026

NEW! Weekly drop-in self-defense classes start September 3rd!

Drop in for a refresher or to start or deepen your self-defense practice.

This class uses the research-backed Empowerment Self-Defense (ESD) model which combines prevention skills with physical fighting skills.

Each class will include a combination of discussion-based learning and hands on skills practice including striking and escaping grabs/holds.

We will use a three-week rotation of focusing on defending against attacks from the front, from the back, and on the ground.

Self-Defense
Thursdays 6:15-7pm
Single class: $25

Included with all Underground Self-Defense class passes and memberships.

All genders and experience levels welcome. Ages 14+.

*THIS WEEK ONLY* Get your first class ✨free✨ ($25 value). Monday, Aug 24 - Saturday, Aug 29 for our fall open house! 🥳Us...
08/23/2026

*THIS WEEK ONLY* Get your first class ✨free✨ ($25 value). Monday, Aug 24 - Saturday, Aug 29 for our fall open house! 🥳

Use promo code: FIRSTCLASS to purchase a single drop-in class of self-defense, kickboxing or martial arts.

Yes! We will be offering NEW weekly drop-in self-defense classes starting September 3rd, but you can make your purchase this week go try it for free.

Absolutely NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY. We know beginners often feel nervous to start, but you will find that creating a safe and welcoming environment is kind of our thing. And now you can try it for free. 😏 So when could be a better time to start?! 🤩

Just carry in a pair of athletic shoes that are clean on the bottoms, and if you want to try kickboxing come 20 minutes early to get set up with some hand wraps ($10). Otherwise, you can wear anything you're comfortable moving in! Seriously. It's not a fashion show. 😉

We can't wait to see you in class soon! 😁🎉🎉

This popular course fills fast!If you think kickboxing looks cool but you’re nervous to start— this is the course for yo...
08/18/2026

This popular course fills fast!

If you think kickboxing looks cool but you’re nervous to start— this is the course for you.

Intro to Kickboxing
6-Week Beginner Course

Saturdays 1:15-2pm
September 19 - October 24
$149 (incl. hand wraps - $10 value)

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. 💥

Start the fall semester feeling safer and more confident!Empowerment self-defense is a research-backed model that combin...
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.

NEW! Curious about martial arts but don't know where to start? We've got you!This 90-minute beginner workshop is a quick...
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!! 🎉

Address

532 State St
Madison, WI
53703

Telephone

(608) 251-7755

Website

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