In-Person Class
Self-Defense Classes in the Twin Cities
A live, 1–2 hour, hands-on self-defense & awareness class taught across the Twin Cities — including Minneapolis, St. Paul, Bloomington, Edina, Eagan, and Northfield — built on the proprietary RAT Power Model: Recognize Assess Take-Action®.
★ Taught by a 5th-degree black belt
★ U.S. Marine veteran
★ Family & woman-owned
Class Overview
Taught live by Lisa Davis — a 5th-degree black belt, U.S. Marine veteran, and award-winning former police officer — each session is hands-on from start to finish, covering fighting stances, striking techniques, escapes from wrist grabs and choke holds, situational awareness, and scenario-based self-defense practice, all built on the RAT Power Model. No prior training required.
Upcoming Self-Defense Classes
Every listing below is a bookable, in-person session — pick the date and location nearest you.
Have questions before you register? Check out our FAQs below.
Participation Waiver Required: Before completing your registration, you'll be asked to read and agree to our Participation Waiver & Media Release during checkout. Please take a moment to review it. Your agreement is required to attend the class.
📍 More sessions added regularly across Minneapolis, St. Paul, Bloomington, Edina, Eagan & Northfield.
Self-Defense Classes in Minnesota
Self-Defense Classes in Minnesota
- A tailored experience designed for your group
- Simple, practical techniques you can use anywhere
- Tools to strengthen confidence and awareness
- The Power Up Practice Guide — a quick-reference handout to reinforce key lessons after class
$50 per person
Our classes work best with groups of 10 or more participants, so feel free to invite family or friends if they’d like to learn alongside you.
Participation Waiver Required
Before completing your registration, you’ll be asked to read and agree to our Participation Waiver & Media Release during checkout. Please take a moment to review it. Your agreement is required to attend the class.
WHO's IT FOR
Everyone Is Welcome Here
Popular with Women
Grounded, practical skills for everyday situations — not fear-based drills.
Teens (13+) & Adults
Confidence-building safety skills for school, work, travel, and everyday life.
No Experience Needed
No martial arts background required — every skill is taught from scratch.
What You'll Gain
Outcomes, Not Just Techniques
Strike With Confidence
Throw effective strikes with proper form, power, and control.
- -Palm heel strike
- -Knee strike
- -Elbow strike
Break Free & Get Clear
Escape grabs and holds fast enough to create real distance.
- -Wrist grab & choke hold escapes
- -Build muscle memory with partner drills
- -React quickly to escape
Read a Room, Stay Ahead
Spot risk earlier so you can avoid it before it becomes a threat.
- -Elevator & stairwell safety
- -Stay in control
- -Describing an attacker for reporting
Own Your Mindset
Apply the RAT Power Model in real scenarios, on instinct.
- -The Power Up Yell & fighting stance
- -Trust your instincts
- -Real-world scenario-based drills
In The Room
See RAT Power in Action
A look inside a Power Up with Lisa self-defense class — the energy, the practice, the moments that make it stick.
Our Approach
The RAT Power Model: Recognize Assess Take-Action®
Our proprietary RAT Power Model: Recognize Assess Take-Action® is the structured framework used in every Power Up class, workshop, and course.
Recognize
When something feels off.
Assess
For potential danger.
Take-Action
To get to safety.
Recognize Assess Take-Action® is a registered trademark of Power Up with Lisa, LLC.
About Lisa Davis
A 5th-degree black belt with over 40 years of martial arts experience, a U.S. Marine veteran, and an award-winning former police officer.
Power Up with Lisa, LLC is family-owned and operated, veteran-owned, and woman-owned.
- Veteran-Owned
- Woman-Owned
- Family-Owned
- Purpose-Driven
LED BY EXPERIENCE. DRIVEN BY PURPOSE.
Redefining Self-Defense for a New Generation
Power Up® builds confident, capable people who trust their instincts. This is self-defense rooted in awareness, confidence, and intentional action - not fear.
Power Up delivers training through two channels: hands-on, in-person instruction and a structured, self-paced online curriculum - giving individuals, corporations, colleges, and universities a scalable path to building safer, more confident people.
5th-degree black belt
U.S. Marine veteran
Award-winning former police officer
Power Up with Lisa's Self-Defense Class
Frequently Asked Questions
Is This Class Right for Me?
Who is the in-person self-defense class for?
The class welcomes teens (13+), young adults, and adults of any background or experience level, including both women and men. It's a common choice for people seeking practical safety skills, first-time participants, and college-age adults, but it is not limited to any one group.
Do I need any prior experience or fitness level?
No. The class is built for complete beginners as well as those with some training. Lisa Davis leads every session personally and adjusts pacing for the group in the room.
Can I book a private self-defense class instead of a group session?
Yes. Private group sessions with Lisa Davis and our team of professional instructors are available for individuals, friend groups, and families who want a fun, active experience — building confidence and skills together as a group.
Is a parent or guardian required for participants under 18?
No. A parent or guardian does not need to attend, but every participant under 18 must have a signed waiver on file before class. That said, we recommend an adult join in — it's more fun for the participant, and kids often get more out of the class when an adult is right there practicing alongside them.
Is this class sensitive to participants who've experienced past trauma or assault?
Yes. Lisa and our instructors train with awareness that participants carry different histories. No one is put on the spot, and you're always welcome to step back or sit out any portion of a drill.
What to Expect
Where are Power Up with Lisa self-defense classes held in the Twin Cities?
Classes rotate through partner studios and community spaces across the Twin Cities, including Minneapolis, St. Paul, Bloomington, Edina, Eagan, and Northfield. The exact location for each session is listed on that class's booking page.
How long is the class, and what will I learn?
Most sessions run 90 minutes and are hands-on from start to finish — covering fighting stances, striking techniques, escapes from wrist grabs and chokeholds, situational awareness, and scenario-based self-defense practice, all built on the proprietary RAT Power Model. No prior training required.
What should I wear and bring?
Comfortable clothing you can move freely in, closed-toe shoes, hair tied back, and a water bottle. Skip dangly jewelry — it can get caught during partner drills. Bring socks too — if a class is held at a karate school, you may be asked to remove your shoes. No special gear required.
Will there be physical contact with other participants?
Yes — guided, instructor-supervised partner practice. Every drill is coached and paced by Lisa or a member of our team, and instructors are mindful of each participant's comfort level and needs.
Can someone bring a friend or family member to just watch?
It depends on the space we're using that day. Contact our team before class if you'd like to bring an observer, and we'll confirm what's possible at that location.
What's the cancellation or reschedule policy?
48+ hours before class: full refund or free reschedule to another available session.
Inside 48 hours: no cash refund — you'll receive a class credit valid for 6 months, transferable to another session.
No-shows without notice forfeit full payment.
See our full Cancellation & Refund Policy for complete details.
Do I need to sign a waiver?
Yes. A Participation Waiver & Media Release Agreement is signed digitally at checkout, before purchase is completed.