Women's Only Jiu-Jitsu & Self-Defense Training

Women Empowered® is our Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu self-defense program designed by women, for women.

Book a Risk-Free 10-Day Trial

Book a Risk-Free 10-Day Trial

Follow the prompts below to schedule your free introductory lesson.

A Safe & Empowering Way to Learn Self-Defense


Why women love the Women Empowered program:

  • Learn 20 essential techniques to handle the most common attacks by larger, stronger aggressors.
  • Build boundary-setting skills, verbal assertiveness, and situational awareness.
  • Train in a supportive, women-only environment with expert instructors.
  • Gain strength, resilience, and lasting confidence you’ll carry into everyday life.
  • Earn your pink belt as you master proven, life-saving skills.
Your Step-by-Step Path to Real Self-Defense

Your Step-by-Step Path to Real Self-Defense


How Women Empowered guides you from day one to total confidence:

  • Step 1: Learn to Protect Yourself

    Start with simple, practical techniques designed to stop the most common threats — no experience needed.

  • Step 2: Build Strength & Trust Your Instincts

    Grow physically and mentally through drills that sharpen your awareness, reactions, and boundary-setting skills.

  • Step 3: Earn Your Pink Belt & Keep Growing

    Complete the course with the skills, confidence, and recognition (pink belt) that show just how far you’ve come.

Meet Your Instructors

Barbara Behounek

Barbara Behounek

Our Head Coach Barbara is a certified Women Empowered® and Gracie Jiu-Jitsu® instructor under Eve, Victoria, Ryron and Rener Gracie.
Florian Westreicher

Florian Westreicher

Our assistant Florian is a certified Women Empowered® and Gracie Jiu-Jitsu® instructor under Eve, Victoria, Ryron and Rener Gracie.

Why Women Choose Women Empowered

Why Women Choose Women Empowered


At Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Wien, Women Empowered gives women of all ages and fitness levels a safe, proven way to take charge of their personal safety — and so much more:


  • Real-World Self-Defense: Learn 20 essential techniques to neutralize common attacks by larger, stronger opponents
  • Boundary Setting & Verbal Assertiveness: Practice speaking up, standing firm, and avoiding conflict before it starts.
  • Total-Body Strength & Confidence: Build muscle, balance, and mental resilience through smart, skill-focused training.
  • Women-Only Environment: Train alongside other supportive women, guided by instructors who know how to help you grow.
  • Pink Belt Recognition: Complete the program with a sense of pride and tangible proof of how far you’ve come.

This Program Is Right For You If...

You want to feel safer and more prepared

Learn proven techniques to protect yourself and handle the most common real-world threats.

You'd love a strong, supportive community of women

Train alongside other women in a positive space that builds trust, encouragement, and friendships.

You're brand new to martial arts (or even fitness)

Start with zero pressure — our program is designed to meet you exactly where you are and grow your skills step by step.

Women Empowered FAQ

Have questions about getting started? You’re not alone. Here are answers to the most common questions women ask when joining Women Empowered — so you can step onto the mat with total confidence.

How do Gracie Women Empowered classes differ from other self-defense programs?

Women Empowered is based on Gracie Jiu-Jitsu — a proven, leverage-based martial arts program designed to help smaller individuals effectively defend against larger opponents. The curriculum focuses on the most common types of attacks women may face.

Will this program help me feel safer when I’m out alone?

Definitely. Women Empowered women’s self-defense classes are designed to give you practical tools and awareness so you can move through the world with more confidence, whether you’re walking to your car at night, waiting for the bus or traveling solo.

I want to get stronger and more capable, but I’m not very athletic. Will I fit in?

Absolutely. This program meets you exactly where you are — no matter your current fitness level. You’ll build strength, coordination, and skill step by step, supported by instructors and classmates who want to see you grow.

Is this just physical training, or will I learn how to handle uncomfortable situations before they get physical?

Both. Women Empowered focuses heavily on boundary-setting, verbal assertiveness, and recognizing red flags early — so you’re prepared to defuse situations long before they escalate.

Can I bring a friend or family member to try it out with me?

Yes! Many women feel more comfortable starting alongside someone they trust. We love welcoming sisters, best friends, mothers and daughters — anyone who wants to learn together.

Discover What You’re Capable Of

Discover our Women Empowered community with a risk-free 10-day trial.

Build confidence, learn real self-defense, and maybe even surprise yourself!