Underground Self-Defense

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 🧡

A quick, fun and q***r introduction to self-defense. 🙌🏼

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.

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. 💥

Register for a free trial class!

Kung Fu Kritters is a fun, developmentally appropriate physical activity (for ages 4-7) that will help your child grow their coordination, control and confidence.

New students can start at any time, but this weekend is a great time to get started since all the students will be starting a new animal.

Saturdays 9:30-10am (plan to arrive by 9:15 for free play!)

Questions? Message us or comment below.

Safer, stronger, together.

You can take the steps to feel safer and more at ease.

Empowerment self-defense training not only makes you more effective at stopping an attempted attack, but it actually makes you less likely to be attacked in the first place.

Upcoming Self-Defense Courses:

90-Minute LGBTQ+ Class
Tuesday, June 23
6-7:30pm

2-Week Women’s Class
Sundays 10am-2pm
July 26 & August 2

4-Week Women’s Class
Tuesdays 6-8pm
September 15 - October 6

Private lessons and custom workshops for your workplace, school, organization or group also available.

Underground Self-Defense
532 State St | Madison, WI
www.undergroundselfdefense.coop

Find the power in you. 💥

This Saturday, April 18th! Join us for a pop-up sparring event to celebrate the end of our spring Intro to Sparring class.

Sparring is a great way to sharpen your reflexes, gain confidence in the striking zone, trick yourself into cardio, and of course have fun!

Did you know sparring has also been shown to be beneficial for brain health? That is, if you don’t hit each other in the head, which we don’t.

At Underground Self-Defense, we take a number of precautions to ensure our students have a safe, fun and empowering experience when they spar. We’re proud to have built a uniquely inclusive culture that makes sparring accessible even for those who might feel intimidated at first!

Can’t make it Saturday? Sparring is also available during our Open Dojo times (Thurs 6-7pm and 15 min after each SKK class) as well as during some SKK classes.

Questions? We are happy to help!

Don’t be embarrassed! Most people don’t actually know how to make a fist for punching. And we find beginners need to be reminded a few times of where to put their thumbs. It’s also hard to actually make this tight of a fist without practice.

Two main safety things:

1. Thumb outside and tucked out of the way so it doesn’t get injured.

2. Straight wrist and hit at a perpendicular to your target to avoid wrist injuries.

Want to learn more? Come check out our beginner-friendly kickboxing and martial arts classes in downtown Madison, WI!

Did you know how to make a fist?