After 46 years in our Oakland training space, Hand to Hand Kajukenbo Self Defense Center is losing its home. Our building is being sold, and we have a short window to move. A new space will cost significantly more, and we would appreciate your help to keep our community going.

We’re raising $46,000 in honor of 46 amazing years to date in order to secure a new space and carry our legacy forward.

Established by our incredible founder, the late Coleen Gragen, nearly half a century ago, Hand to Hand has been more than a place to train. It has been a space of transformation and self-empowerment, a place to build strength, confidence, and connection. Thousands have walked through our doors to learn martial arts, practice self-defense, and find community.

Your financial support will allow us to continue offering the same level of accessible programming for women, LGBTQAI+ folks, and people of color that has defined Hand to Hand for decades—including sliding-scale classes, scholarships, and community self-defense programs.

As one student shared:

“Each hour I spend on the training floor makes me a better person… a more confident, compassionate, and powerful person. I am profoundly grateful for this school and my teachers.” —Marianne, Green Belt

Your support will help us:

Every gift makes a difference. A contribution of $25, $50, or $100 or beyond helps us move, rebuild, and keep our doors open to the community that depends on us.

This is a moment of transition—but also an opportunity to carry forward and grow a 46-year legacy of resilience and full-hearted investment in the human spirit.

Please consider donating and sharing this campaign with others who believe in this work.

With gratitude,

Professor Sonya Richardson and The Hand to Hand Community