Supernova Queer Self Defense Arts

Supernova/Tomoe Ryu exists to instruct trans and gender variant people in basic self defense, from learning to value their lives and forming personal boundaries all the way to developing pride in their minds, bodies, and fighting spirits.
 
Over the last 8 years we have worked with the LA LGBT Center, and are currently in partnership with the TransLatin@ Coalition.  However, our goal is to become an independent organization, dedicated to the safety, security and well-being of our trans and gender variant family.
  
Initially, your support helps us to buy our own mats, target pads, uniforms, pepper spray practice cartridges, first aid, and other supplies for our current classes and students. Beyond this, we intend to acquire our own dedicated practice area, as well as studio space to publish training booklets and videos for trans, queer, and gender variant people wherever they may be.

We have worked with over 150 youth on 1-on-1 classes and group workouts; we have also presented at community events, conferences, pride celebrations, shelters, and college queer/trans organizations.

All instructors in our school identify as trans and/or queer. Most have had personal experience with sexual, physical, and/or mental assault, often from people they trusted, and draw upon these experiences to help our students feel less alone. 

Our techniques come from time-tested, traditional martial arts, but are updated to address the needs of trans and queer people in the real world.  Our head instructor, Ryka Aoki, has over 40 years of judo and self defense experience. Our curriculum addresses body changes associated with transition, transphobic attacks, boundaries, self-awareness/coping with internalized transphobia, scenario assessment,  self-defense tools, avoiding arrest/liability, and much more. 

We teach all students, regardless of ability to pay, and most of our students are taught free of charge.  

We welcome any trans, queer, or gender variant people to join weekly Supernova Queer Self Defense classes. For more information, please visit our website www.queerselfdefense.com, or our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/groups/SupernovaSelfDefense/

Every little bit helps! :) We thank you deeply for your time and consideration.