About this Event
Try a Kickboxing & BJJ Class: International Women's Day 2026
#JoinOurFight is a social impact campaign created by , a female-founded martial arts initiative, to strengthen the collective self-confidence of women and girls. This event is free or donation-based, hosted and supported by .
Through our own martial arts training, we noticed a shift in how we walk, how we talk, and how we feel overall - with a strong sense of self-esteem and self-respect. Enough to say no when we’re uncomfortable. To walk the streets with our heads held high. And to fight back if we need to.
Because we found this through martial arts, we said hey - let’s encourage others to join us, and see where their journey takes them. Over the past few years, chinkilla has organized hundreds of free and donation-based training events for women in cities all over - including NYC!
Why women only?
Women-only spaces can be an entry point into training opportunities that women might not otherwise consider trying, particularly in a commonly male-dominant sport.
It's important to note that we could not do this without the support of the men in our network. Gym owners, coaches, and teammates of all genders have supported us in making this campaign possible!
Who are the coaches in NYC?
Sarah Barakah
"Without the option of a women's class, I might never have started martial arts! So I want to make sure I'm giving back."
As one of the co-founders of chinkilla, Sarah helped establish the #JoinOurFight campaign in 2022, helping bring free martial arts classes to thousands of women and girls. Her own fight journey began in 2013 at a women's kickboxing class, and she's been dedicated to making martial arts more accessible ever since. Sarah currently trains jiu jitsu, boxing, and kickboxing in NYC, and coaches co-ed kickboxing classes at Jiu Livre.
Dylan Baffrey
"While self-defense got me in the door, I have stayed this long on the mats for the love of the martial arts community and both the physical and mental challenge of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu!"
Dylan is a loud-and-proud black belt born and raised in Anchorage, Alaska. At the end of 2024, she made the trek to the East Coast and resumed training in both NJ and NY. Her journey started in 2013, when she transitioned from taekwondo to Brazilian jiu-jitsu and has been hooked ever since, competing at every belt along the way. Dylan coaches co-ed and women's classes, as well as kids' classes.
The Program
11:00 am - Kickboxing with Sarah
Build confidence through kickboxing: We'll introduce you to a few basics for effective striking, stance, and footwork, as well as tips for adjusting kickboxing techniques in self defense situations.
12:00 pm - Brazilian Jiu Jitsu with Dylan
Take it to the floor with BJJ: learn a few foundational skills in jiu jitsu, a martial art that emphasizes leverage and technique over pure strength, making it an excellent tool for defense from the ground.
1:00 - Cooldown & Farewell
We'll take 15 minutes to relax with breathing techniques and stretching, and open up the floor to all your questions about martial arts!
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Jiu Livre Grappling Office - Jiu Jitsu, Luta Livre and Self Defense, 383 5th Avenue, New York, United States
USD 0.00
