Build Confidence and Learn Practical Self-Defense Skills
Join ArtWaves, in partnership with Healthy Acadia, in Bar Harbor on Nov. 13 and 14 for hands-on self-defense workshops designed to help people build awareness, confidence, and practical skills.
Knowing how to recognize potential risks, set boundaries, and respond when personal safety is threatened can help people feel more prepared in everyday situations. Healthy Acadia and ArtWaves are partnering to offer three Aware & Prepared self-defense workshops this November, with options for real estate professionals and community members.
Led by Raz Chen, an experienced Krav Maga instructor and self-defense strategist, the workshops combine discussion with hands-on practice. Participants will learn about situational awareness, prevention, decision-making under pressure, and practical defensive techniques.
No previous self-defense or martial arts experience is needed. The workshops welcome people with a range of fitness and experience levels, and instruction is designed to help participants learn at their own pace.
Workshop schedule
Friday, Nov. 13, 10 a.m. to noon: Aware & Prepared for Realtors
This two-hour session is designed specifically for real estate professionals who may meet unfamiliar clients and show properties on their own. Anyone interested in learning practical self-defense skills is welcome to attend.
Learn more and register for the Nov. 13 workshop
Saturday, Nov. 14, 1 to 2:30 p.m.: Aware & Prepared, Session I
This community workshop combines an interactive discussion about awareness, prevention, and responding under pressure with hands-on practice. Participants will learn step-by-step techniques and practice with partners in a controlled setting.
Learn more and register for Session I
Saturday, Nov. 14, 2:30 to 4 p.m.: Aware & Prepared, Session II
Continue building your skills in this second workshop. Session II covers different material from Session I, so participants can register for either session or both.
Learn more and register for Session II
Making self-defense training accessible
Everyone deserves the opportunity to build skills that support their safety and well-being. To help remove financial barriers, ArtWaves has created a no-barrier registration option for both Saturday workshops, with 10 spots available at no cost to participants in each session.
If cost is a barrier, contact ArtWaves at office@artwavesmdi.org to request a no-cost spot. Standard registration options are also available.
What to know before you go
All three workshops take place in the dance studio at ArtWaves, 1345-A State Highway 102 in Bar Harbor. Participants should bring clean indoor or gym shoes and a water bottle. No specialized equipment or previous training is required.
The Saturday sessions are open to ages 13 and older. Participants under 18 must attend with a parent or guardian, and all participants must sign a liability waiver.
Building safer, healthier communities starts with practical opportunities to learn, connect, and support one another. Healthy Acadia is glad to partner with ArtWaves to make these workshops available to our community.
Explore the workshops and register through ArtWaves using the links above.