Underground Self-Defense

Underground Self-Defense Empowering you to walk through world feeling safe, confident and at ease. Start your self-defense journey today. Class passes & memberships available.

We help our students grow safer, stronger, together. Empowerment Self-Defense Workshops
— Feel safer and more confident
— Embrace the freedom to go anywhere
— Find your voice and your personal power
Join our next session or book us for your team. Kickboxing
— Safe and accessible for beginners
— Get moving, feel great!
— Be part of an inclusive, supportive community
Purchase drop-in class to try!

Shaolin Kempo Karate
— Holistic wellness and practical self-defense
— Develop a discipline to be proud of
— Befriend fellow geeks, nerds and more! Start your martial arts journey today.

We've been nominated for Madison Magazine's Best of Madison again! Please take a moment to vote for us by the end of Jun...
06/09/2026

We've been nominated for Madison Magazine's Best of Madison again! Please take a moment to vote for us by the end of June to show your support.

https://madisonmagazine.secondstreetapp.com/Best-of-Madison-2026/

People living in Dane County and bordering counties are eligible to vote. Select "Healthy Living" then scroll to "Martial Arts Studio" and vote for "Underground Self-Defense". If it's your first time voting, make sure to verify your email so you know your vote counted!

Thanks, friends 🧡

05/28/2026

This program may be perfect for your kid if:

1) Your kid would benefit from finding balance in their body (either building body confidence or growing self-control)

2) You’ve struggled to find an activity that works due to anxiety, challenges meeting behavior expectations, or just not finding something that clicked (kids who avoid team sports often enjoy this more individual activity)

3) Your kid would benefit from strengthening their social and emotional skills

4) You’re looking for a fun, low pressure environment (not competition)

5) Martial arts seems interesting to your kid (…and you? Many of our parents join the class after their kids while the kids hang out together and play.)

Our kids program is designed by Master Ali Treviño-Murphy, a 5th degree black belt, professional social worker, and parent of a neurodivergent child. We understand the stressors for parents and kids, and we work intentionally to help every kid who enters our space to feel welcome, included, and empowered.

Youth programs available for ages 4-17.

Go to www.undergroundselfdefense.coop/youth-martial-arts to learn more and sign up for a trial class today.

05/26/2026

Are you a pure beginner? Do you think this looks cool but some part of you doubts you could ever do this?

We got you!!!

Underground Self-Defense is the best place in Madison, WI to start kickboxing, martial arts or self-defense training from scratch.

All those doubts holding you back? We have heard them all before and we assure you, you’re just right for this just the way you are. In today’s body. In today’s shape. With today’s experience. You can start today!

Prefer to start with other pure beginners?

Try our 6-week beginner course: Intro to Kickboxing

Six 45-min classes focused on learning technique (not high cardio, although you will work) so you can safely hit heavy bags and use partnered equipment like mitts.

June 6 - July 18
Saturdays 1:15-2pm
$149 (includes hand wraps)

You can also start in any of our weekly drop-in classes!

These classes will have mixed experience levels but new students with no previous experience start all the time.

Our instructors will ensure you know exactly what to do, and our community will welcome and celebrate your new adventure with you!

We are experienced supporting students with a variety of modifications as needed, so as long as you are medically cleared for exercise, we can help you work with any limitations you may have. Your safety and wellbeing is our top priority.

The hardest part is getting yourself to your first class, and then you’ll have an activity built into your week that makes you feel great. You’ll be amazed at the transformation in your confidence, fitness and mood with any sort of regular training.

Sign up for a trial class ($25) or Intro to Kickboxing ($149) today!

We can’t wait to help you find the power in you.

A quick, fun and q***r introduction to self-defense. 🙌🏼
05/21/2026

A quick, fun and q***r introduction to self-defense. 🙌🏼

We have 3 introductory workshops for you this summer and new students can start in our weekly drop-in classes at any tim...
05/21/2026

We have 3 introductory workshops for you this summer and new students can start in our weekly drop-in classes at any time!

Intro to Kickboxing (6-week beginner course)
Saturdays 1:15-2pm
June 6 - July 18 (no class July 4)

LGBTQ+ Self-Defense (90 min)
Tuesday, June 23rd | 6-7:30pm

Women’s Self-Defense (8-hour course)
Sundays 10am - 2pm
July 26 & August 2

We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again:

You do not need *any* experience, knowledge, or minimum fitness level to start.

You can totally do this. Yes, you!

The only way to know what you think is to try it. You might be surprised. 😉

Adults and teens can try a single drop-in class for $25. Kids can try it free.

Call (608) 251-7755
Email [email protected]
Message here

We’ll help you find the best option for you!

Safer, stronger, together.

This popular course fills fast! If you think kickboxing looks cool but you’re nervous to start— this is the course for y...
05/06/2026

This popular course fills fast!

If you think kickboxing looks cool but you’re nervous to start— this is the course for you.

We welcome beginners of all body types, ages (adult), experience and fitness levels. That’s right— you don’t even need experience with exercise!

Learn the essential skills of striking for fitness and self-defense, and have fun doing it! You’ll be amazed at how much you can learn in 6 short weeks.

If you love it and want more, we’ve got options for you. Or, if you feel satisfied and ready to move on, you’ll walk away with an expanded toolkit of practical self-defense skills.

Grab your spot now. We can’t wait to help you find the power in you. 💥

Register for a free trial class! Kung Fu Kritters is a fun, developmentally appropriate physical activity (for ages 4-7)...
04/27/2026

Register for a free trial class!

Kung Fu Kritters is a fun, developmentally appropriate physical activity (for ages 4-7) that will help your child grow their coordination, control and confidence.

New students can start at any time, but this weekend is a great time to get started since all the students will be starting a new animal.

Saturdays 9:30-10am (plan to arrive by 9:15 for free play!)

Questions? Message us or comment below.

Safer, stronger, together.

You can take the steps to feel safer and more at ease. Empowerment self-defense training not only makes you more effecti...
04/24/2026

You can take the steps to feel safer and more at ease.

Empowerment self-defense training not only makes you more effective at stopping an attempted attack, but it actually makes you less likely to be attacked in the first place.

Upcoming Self-Defense Courses:

90-Minute LGBTQ+ Class
Tuesday, June 23
6-7:30pm

2-Week Women’s Class
Sundays 10am-2pm
July 26 & August 2

4-Week Women’s Class
Tuesdays 6-8pm
September 15 - October 6

Private lessons and custom workshops for your workplace, school, organization or group also available.

Underground Self-Defense
532 State St | Madison, WI
www.undergroundselfdefense.coop

Find the power in you. 💥

This Saturday, April 18th! Join us for a pop-up sparring event to celebrate the end of our spring Intro to Sparring clas...
04/16/2026

This Saturday, April 18th! Join us for a pop-up sparring event to celebrate the end of our spring Intro to Sparring class.

Sparring is a great way to sharpen your reflexes, gain confidence in the striking zone, trick yourself into cardio, and of course have fun!

Did you know sparring has also been shown to be beneficial for brain health? That is, if you don’t hit each other in the head, which we don’t.

At Underground Self-Defense, we take a number of precautions to ensure our students have a safe, fun and empowering experience when they spar. We’re proud to have built a uniquely inclusive culture that makes sparring accessible even for those who might feel intimidated at first!

Can’t make it Saturday? Sparring is also available during our Open Dojo times (Thurs 6-7pm and 15 min after each SKK class) as well as during some SKK classes.

Questions? We are happy to help!

Don’t be embarrassed! Most people don’t actually know how to make a fist for punching. And we find beginners need to be ...
04/09/2026

Don’t be embarrassed! Most people don’t actually know how to make a fist for punching. And we find beginners need to be reminded a few times of where to put their thumbs. It’s also hard to actually make this tight of a fist without practice.

Two main safety things:

1. Thumb outside and tucked out of the way so it doesn’t get injured.

2. Straight wrist and hit at a perpendicular to your target to avoid wrist injuries.

Want to learn more? Come check out our beginner-friendly kickboxing and martial arts classes in downtown Madison, WI!

Did you know how to make a fist?

Address

532 State St
Madison, WI
53703

Telephone

(608) 251-7755

Website

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