Auto-Defense class
The Montreal Region's military sports department presents its women's initiation: a self-defense course.
The objective of the course is to offer self-defense techniques to women in order to feel more confident and be more comfortable with unpredictable situations.
Come have fun and discover that you are stronger than you think!
WHEN :
- February 25, 2026 at the Saint-Jean Garrison - Room M-166
- March 4 and 11, 2026 at the Saint-Jean Garrison - Room M-166
- From 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
- March 12, 2026 from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. during the Intenrational Women's Day (OPEN TO ALL)
The course is open to all levels, no experience required. Registration required, places are limited.
Brief course description by instructor Gabriela Campos Mendanha
This practical self-defense course is designed to teach you effective jiu-jitsu techniques to better protect yourself in dangerous situations. Over the course of 1h30, we'll cover simple yet powerful movements that will give you the confidence to react to physical aggression. You'll learn how to use your body and your environment to get out of different situations of violent threat. Simple, effective techniques for common situations.
Program:
- Breakfall: Learn how to fall safely without injury, an essential technique for avoiding injury in the event of a fall. - Getting up safely: How to get up safely and effectively when you're knocked to the ground, while keeping control of the situation.
- Getting out of a headlock: Two defensive options for freeing yourself from a neck hold.
- Choke release against the wall: Techniques to free yourself when you're choked against a wall, using adapted defense movements.
- MATA LEÃO (rear choke) release: Learn how to free yourself from this potentially dangerous jiu-jitsu hold.
- Armbar in closed guard: How to perform an Armbar to neutralize an opponent attempting to strangle you while remaining in the guard position.
- Triangle: With and without the arm. This course is designed to be accessible to all, with clear explanations and practical demonstrations. At the end of this session, you will have acquired fundamental skills that will enable you to better manage situations that threaten your safety.
Our instructors
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Gabriela Campos Mendanha
Athlete and self-defence instructor View Bio
Originally from Brazil, I started jiu-jitsu at the age of 6 after immigrating to Canada. My father has been practicing jiu-jitsu since he was 17, which means over 25 years of BJJ. Although he signed me up for a number of sports, the last thing he wanted was for me to say he'd forced me into it.Gabriela Campos Mendanha
Athlete and self-defence instructor
It was after several classes, when I showed my true commitment and passion, that he made me earn my first kimono. Since then, jiu-jitsu has captured my full attention, and today my whole family practices it. I quickly found my way into competitions, and for several years I took part in judo and jiu-jitsu tournaments.
Among my achievements, I'm Quebec Games runner-up in judo (2019) and multiple Pan-American and World champion in jiu-jitsu (2020-2021). In 2024, I also took 3rd place at the IBJJF World Adult Championship. My career as a competitor naturally led me to teaching. In 2022, I started giving classes on a more regular basis, after years of attending training sessions.
Today, I teach children 2-3 times a week and share my knowledge via TikTok by posting self-defense videos. I also teach nearly 8 classes a week at the Gracie Barra schools in Brossard and Boucherville, and I'm passionate about helping students feel more confident and capable in the practice of martial arts. I'm still chasing my dreams, and my next big competition will be Pan Am next March, where I'm aiming for new challenges and success.
