About
Smart Defense is a self-defense training program. Participants learn concepts like consent, boundaries, red flags, situational and bystander awareness, and how to create space to escape an attack. The program uses four-week sessions and is for women and girls ages 10 and up.
Programs
- Smart Defense — women and girls ages 10 and up · four-week sessions · Self-defense training program; classes are held at Iron Roots Brazilian Jiu Jitsu gym in Colorado Springs.
At a glance
- Ages: 10–18 years old
About the provider
The Elizabeth Smart Foundation was founded in 2011. Its mission is to bring hope and end the victimization and exploitation of sexual assault. Program director Miyo Strong assisted in creating Smart Defense, and Erin Johnson will lead the Colorado Springs classes with three other instructors, including her husband, Dan Ries. Miyo Strong is an award-winning Jiu-Jitsu World Master Champion, and Erin Johnson and Dan Ries have 33 combined years of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu training and are both certified black belts.
Traditional Smart Defense classes take place in a physical facility, usually a local martial arts gym, with at least two trauma-informed instructors. Participants learn concepts like consent, boundaries, red flags, situational and bystander awareness, and how to create space to escape an attack. What to expect: arrive 10 minutes early, bring water and hand sanitizer, wear comfortable clothing, bring flat sole or running shoes, no jewelry, hair up if possible, silence cell phone, no photos or videos, come with an open mind, and have fun.
What families say
““I started Jiu-Jitsu at a time in my life where my assault was weighing heavily on my mind, and I wanted to start feeling more empowered with my safety. Not only did Jiu-Jitsu give me that, but it also gave me a team of people in my corner on my good days and bad.”” — Tiffany Summa
““...I’m so grateful to Jiu-Jitsu for making me feel more confident in my abilities to protect myself. Feeling strong and physically capable, coupled with trauma-informed therapy, has been absolutely life changing for me.”” — Tiffany Summa
““Smart Defense is where education, empowerment and physical self-defense come together,”” — Miyo Strong
Last updated November 7, 2026.
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