Life-changing in the best way possible. A very safe environment to learn such a nerve-wracking skill. Can't wait to do more!

I highly recommend this self defense class with RAW Power Real World Defense - an invaluable experience to help with confidence, awareness and self esteem. Great staff who is very supportive and knowledgeable and there to help! read more

I recently took Meredith's 4-hour Foundation workshop and have been talking about it to anyone who will listen! It is a very unique opportunity to learn and practice full-force self defense techniques in a way that is safe for both the participants and facilitators. Meredith and her team are incredibly skilled at tailoring the instruction to each individual and creating a supportive environment. Highly recommend!! read more

As a co-creator of a weekend immersion rooted in embodiment, voice, and power  for a diverse circle of women--including college-bound young women, mentors, and mothers, I brought Meredith Gold in to guide our group through RAW Power--and what she offered exceeded anything I imagined. With clarity, presence, and fierce compassion, Meredith created a space where emotional depth, nervous system training, and real-world self-defense coexisted in the most grounded and liberating way. Through hands-on practice with highly skilled, empathetic male trainers who don full protective gear, we learned to strike, kick, set boundaries, and respond to adrenaline with power instead of paralysis. It was intense, emotional, and even fun--and it was profoundly transformative. Meredith, Matt and Mike went above and beyond for our group, generously offering more time and energy than we asked for, and left us all stronger--physically, emotionally, and energetically. This isn't just self-defense. It's a sacred, embodied reclamation. And every woman deserves it. --Jodi Targon, co-leader of Rooted & Rising: A Weekend to Take Up Space read more

What can I say? Meredith and her team are amazing. They helped me face a HUGE fear, and let me really feel the rawness of it--and somehow, move through it. Wow. How does that even happen? But they did that, and somehow, I did that too. It's exactly what I've been searching for--a feeling that I can actually defend myself and know how to handle it. I've always been scared of freezing up in shock, like I have before, but not anymore. Thank you for your support and for teaching me. I can't wait for round 2. Y'all seriously ROCKED my world! read more

I took Meredith's class more than two years ago. Yesterday, my daughter and I were in a horrible altercation on the train. Despite it being so long since I took the class, my body remembered the skills, and I was able to protect us. No one was hurt, thankfully. But it was scary beyond belief, and I was able to meet the moment with calm, clarity and strength. Absolutely amazing. read more

This class is powerful and empowering! I felt inspired and ready to fight attackers or assaulters. read more

My god, these amazing people. I cannot say good enough things about them, or their training methods, or their hearts being in the right place. These classes utterly changed my life. read more

Incredible training! I took the intro workshop and learned basic physical and verbal self defense techniques and could not be happier with my experience. I feel much more prepared to defend myself from an attack. I'm also grateful to have learned simple strategies to help avoid a threatening situation escalating to something physical. I will definitely be continuing on with more courses. read more

Fundamental for any female or human looking for more self-defense confidence. I cannot thank Meredith and her team enough for what they are doing. read more

I found this class to be amazing and transformative. The instructors were so sensitive to all of the difficult experiences that the class may have had around assault, violation, and trauma. They created an amazingly supportive space for us to learn. The basic skills class does focus on training in scenarios that resemble actual assaults, so you will not freeze up under those circumstances. I found it to be very effective as I definitely got my adrenaline pumping and even became emotional briefly afterwards, but far from leaving me in that state, being able to physically defend myself created real confidence and calm feelings. I think this would be empowering to anyone and healing for people who have been victimized in the past. read more

This was the most incredible and life changing experience of my life. I was raised to be quiet and accept harassment, and when I encountered violence I would freeze. Unfortunately this meant that I would also blame myself for what happened to me. RAW power helped me put a new ending on some painful stories and through learning to fight for my life, I realized my life was worth saving. This is an incredible program for folks who are often targets of violence and harassment, such as lgbtq, women and BIPOC communities. I could not recommend this training more. read more

I went to the Verbal Boundaries and Assertive Communications workshop specifically for the AAPI community and thought it was fantastic. It felt empowering as a petite woman to learn and practice how to use my voice and body language to set boundaries. It's an undervalued, underutilized aspect of self defense that I felt was so important to learn about. It was also exhausting emotionally to be put in real life settings where you're having to face your own fears of assault and the bystander effects of watching other women get treated poorly. Definitely a course all women need to take. read more

I took the 4 hour intro class and I am so incredibly grateful that I did. Meredith and the entire staff were so supportive, inclusive and knowledgable. I feel more confident in my skin and in my ability to be aware and protect myself now. Everyone thinking about taking this class absolutely should! Life changing experience. Thank you, thank you, thank you! read more

This team is phenomenal! Safety is of utmost priority while also supporting us while we strengthen our bodies and minds! Meredith is truly in-tune and gifted. Really a powerful instructor Pam is a somatic trauma therapist and remarkably great at teaching! Frank and Mike are present and supportive of us in learning how to be safe. This is one of the best thing you can do for yourself! read more

A very powerful workshop! I loved Meredith and the two gentlemen who were the targets for our real-world mock self-defense experiences. They guided us little by little to feel comfortable yelling and striking our "attackers." A serious topic, but they made it light hearted as well, so it didn't feel so heavy. So many great tips, and so important for women. All should attend. I highly recommend!!! read more

This was an amazing, empowering experience. If you are a person in a female body, this training is a must. It is a powerful rewiring from crying/collapsing into my fear to experiencing my power and being able to fight - even when a man is bigger and violent. Given my personal history, this is amazing. This training is trauma informed and is a safe nonjudgemental place to learn. You will be deeply supported - by Meredith, by the men supporting the training, by the assistants and by all the other participants. I love them all. In a very short time (3.5 hrs), I walked away with - a body memory of how to fight for myself IF NEEDED - Training on how to be clear and deescalate a challenging situation - confidence to trust my instinct - a safe space where everything is allowed (including tears) and coaching to transform all this energy into power - a knowing and willingness to fight like hell for myself if I ever need it - clear coaching on what I need to do when my brain is flooded and I can't think. So my body learns and it will be available when I am in an actual situation. - a demo of practical boundary setting in challenging situations I am going to continue to train with Meredith and her team. They are rock stars. I am eternally grateful. read more

I took the self defense class with some incredible women. I can not express enough how incredible the class was. Powerful, clear in instructions and most appreciated: safe. Fully recommend read more

Would recommend this class for sure, think it could be helpful for alot of people, you learn not just self defense but also how to use your voice in a powerful way. Instructors set a really positive, fun, supportive environment read more

Wow. I took the 3 hour self-defense workshop and by the end of the day I was empowered with tools to physically defend myself and verbally defend myself. Everyone (especially women) should take this course. The entire team was kind and supportive of us all and cultivated a wonderful atmosphere to learn! Would recommend to everyone I know! read more

I have taken two self-defense intro classes with RAW Power Real World Self Defense and Empowerment and I can't say enough about how good it feels to know that you have options should you get attacked. Getting an opportunity to scream, kick, and get into real-life scenarios where you have to defend yourself is invaluable. The instructors are thorough and represent all identities, which for me as a trans-woman, is always important. The class environment feels safe and nurturing! I plan to continue to take classes with RAW Power Real World Self Defense and Empowerment and continue to improve my skills! This is a must class for all of us who feel vulnerable in the world, it's good to know that I am giving myself a fighting chance! read more

Amazing and empowering training. Simple tools, both physical and verbal, that can help you prepare mentally for confrontation with a potential attacker. The team was kind, knowledgeable and extremely supportive. This basic 4-hour training should be mandatory in every high school. read more

This was just brilliant. In four hours we learned to assess the situation, use verbal de-escalation techniques, and yes, physical self-defense in real-life, adrenalized situations, using full force. If you've ever "frozen" in a situation and are concerned that you might not be able to do anything to protect yourself, this class is a MUST. Knowing what to look for and your options for how to react gives you the tools that could some day save your life. Meredith, Matt, and Mike were just amazing - gentle, forceful, kind, full of knowledge and guidance. Incredibly empowering and supportive environment, which will literally have you to experience a high adrenaline situation, and use the tools you've just learned to defend yourself. The class is structured so that you start out slow and end with a bang. Or a kick! read more

Sounds corny but this class exceeded my expectations. The stafff was the best. Everything you expect and often don't get with a service you pay for, from customer service, professionalism, and friendliness, to quality service. Worth every penny. You will learn and walk out more confident than when you walked in. I'd take this class again. Have fun, you'll be transformed! read more

I took the API focused workshop recently and I was simply blown away by Meredith and her team. I've taken other self defense courses and this was by far one of the most effective and impactful. As an API woman, I found myself very emotional during class, especially talking about anti-Asian racism and hate. Meredith gave so much support, leadership and experience in working through the nuances of what our community is going through. She also knew when to say that she's also learning how to work with different communities herself and trying to get a grasp of it. She helped frame what her work was about in relation to what each student was going through. I highly recommend the class. This isn't just a self defense class in the physical sense of it, it felt very much like an opportunity to look at how we engage safely and when we don't feel safe, what tools we can have that allow us to stay grounded and keep our wits about us. They were both verbal and physical skills and I can say that the physical portion of the class is something I look forward to doing when contact classes resume. I recommend this for anyone who simply wants life skills. read more

My two teenage girls took Meredith's Introductory course and LOVED it. Everything you read here on Yelp and on the Raw Power website is only a glimpse of the amazing awesomeness of this course. My daughters are shy and a mite sheltered, and Meredith had them attacking the mock assailants with their words and bodies, meaning using their BRAINS!! They felt entirely included and welcomed in a group of adult women. Needless to say, both girls insisted on learning more by signing up for the Full Course. Five Stars Plus!!! read more

Meredith is such a kind soul and her staff is very compassionate. Their compliments are encouraging and make you keep going. This class was very emotional. However, I think it's definitely worth it for the real life experience you get. I highly recommend this class to all women. read more

My best friend bought this class for me. I was very nervous to attend and, at the same time, not sure that it would provide anything of substance for me. I couldn't have been more wrong! The connection that the instructors were able to build with the group was genuine and powerful; the instruction was so well scaffolded and was taught in a way in which I was truly able to 'get it in my body'; and the instructors were able to safely, and so naturally, build an invested, supportive community amongst the group there. I was blown away with all of it. It was a tremendously powerful and empowering experience. We all need to do this! read more

Due to COVID limitations, I attended a verbal boundaries workshop in which we covered pretty much everything you possibly could regarding self-defense without making physical contact. The vast majority of my experiences with harassment or threatening behavior from strangers in public were verbal, so being able to reenact them realistically (while ultimately in a safe space) was incredibly powerful as practice. I got to feel the real stress that comes with being harassed, experience the tunnel vision, the physiological changes, etc. but with new tools, and I already feel myself reentering the world differently than I had before this class. I can't wait to follow up with the physical self-defense component once it's safer to do so. read more

I attended the 3 hour intro workshop. It was so powerful I am planning on taking the 12 hour course. If you have been looking for a self defense workshop that will completely rewire how you feel in your body, especially if you have experienced trauma in your life, this is the one. Meredith and her team are amazing. They help you feel so supported as you basically have to practice defending yourself through enacted real life scenarios of muggings/assaults. Yes, this sounds intense. And it is. But the value of being able to practice successfully defending oneself in a highly adrenalized state is SO VALUABLE. I now know deeply in my body and bones that if something happens I won't freeze. I know that I will be able to act in a way that gets me out of danger. I feel this training has affected how confidently I am able to walk in the world. This is truly an empowering experience that I think all women could receive huge benefits by attending. read more

I signed up for levels 1-3. Meredith, Mike, Ron, and the rest of the team of "muggers" are so wonderful to work with. Even when the subject matter is dark for some, it's a safe place for experiencing all the feelings: it's equal parts fun, exhilarating, and challenging... as much mental as physical. This is not a martial arts class, it's a true self defense program with immediately actionable skills. I appreciate that they first advocate avoiding physical conflict if possible (awareness, setting personal boundaries). They address the often-overlooked "freeze" component of "fight or flight" and teach techniques for working with all of these natural responses. A shout-out to the muggers, who wear super tough full body armor, which allows you to practice every single technique with full force. They are also skilled improvisers and will keep you on your toes. You will not learn simple canned responses for a small handful of scenarios; you will learn how to tailor your response as situations change. Worthwhile and fantastic experience. read more

At the suggestion of a friend, I took this class. I walked in thinking that I would observe and not participate because I was afraid. Meredith and her team were beyond encouraging and created such a safe space that I decided to put my fears on the side and go all in - so happy I did. Meredith is the real deal. With almost 30 years of experience, she is so well-versed and has the workshop so tightly crafted. I walked out of there with new tools - both verbal and physical. I can't wait to do the 12-hour and learn even more. I really encourage every woman to give themselves this opportunity JUST IN CASE. read more

Life-changing experience. Meredith and her entire team are professional, inspiring, and empowering. One of the best decisions I ever made was taking this class. 10 stars!! read more

This was 100 percent empowering. You will be sore as hell the next day and perhaps wonder why because you will be so locked in during class, you may forget how hard you're fighting. Best sleep of my life afterwards. For so many reasons. Took level1, signing up for 2&3. Every woman needs this training. read more

Meredith is AWESOME! I went into this training nervous and excited at the same time. Meredith and her team of skillful facilitators made me feel welcome, safe, and supported. As a result, I feel equipped with basic self defense skills that will serve me for the rest of my life. This training is delivered in a way that is foundational and accessible to all. In addition to the expertise and knowledge, I deeply admire and appreciate the heart-centeredness of the facilitators and genuine care for each participant. I highly recommend RAW Power Self Defense and Empowerment Training! I feel so strong and confident in my body, in a way I wasn't before. Thank you Dream Team! read more

I can not recommend taking classes with RAW Power enough. The instructors are knowledgeable and the things you will learn are invaluable. The classes are an exceptionally safe way to learn real-world skills that you will hopefully never need. I have tried a few boxing/combat/martial arts classes in my day and they have always felt a little bit macho and intimidating. RAW Power is a place where you can feel safe to ask questions, have feelings, and learn at your own pace. It's truly life-changing experience and WELL worth your money and time. read more

This is the one! Attending the RAW Power workshops has left me feeling more confident, aware and better informed on how to handle a range of situations. Meredith is an incredible teacher who will inspire you to find your inner fighting spirit. The class environment is very supportive, but allows you to train in threatening scenarios and improvise a little, so that you can practice verbal boundary setting as well as basic fighting skills. This means that you have an adrenaline rush in class and can practice responding with that feeling instead of freezing up. Knowing that you can do this leaves you feeling incredibly empowered. The full body armor worn by the training team means that you can practice fighting hard so that you know you can do it. read more

You will never meet a nicer, smarter, kinder or more caring person than Meredith Gold -- nor a fiercer, better trained, better prepared martial artist. Safety is paramount, yet the efficacy of the training is unequaled, because Meredith and husband Mike Belzer have SO much experience and are so dedicated to their class. That combination of ability and concern is unparalleled in the arts. I have recommended the class to cousins, friends, colleagues, and, when students could not afford the class -- which, by the way, is remarkably well-priced -- I have paid for them myself. Why? Because the class is so darn good, the teacher is so dang great and the experience is so danged important for women and children from 9 to 99. Bill Fordes SM CA read more

This training is trauma-informed, so so effective, and realistic. I felt deeply changed after these classes. I would recommend it to anyone.

This three part workshop has been one of the most essential things I've done. Besides technique and self-confidence, I was able to gain knowledge of myself as a person who is not defenseless. What set this training apart was experimenting with adrenaline. How useful to know how to function in fear or tunnel vision. At times it was intense, but everyone's warm and supportive attitudes made an enjoyable time out of what can easily be fuel for anxiety. I cannot thank Meredith and the rest of the RAW Power team enough! read more