Our Mission
We are dedicated to empowering young women through education in awareness, safety, and self-defense.
We strive to equip girls with the knowledge, skills, and confidence they need to protect themselves and others, while fostering a strong, supportive community where every girl can lead with strength, courage, and resilience.
The Importance of Awareness
The intersection of safety and self-defense is important in a world that often presents risks and challenges. Awareness involves being mindful of one’s environment, understanding potential risks, and recognizing when something feels off. For young women who may face unique safety concerns, this heightened awareness can be a critical first line of defense. Being aware means paying attention to details like the behavior of people around you, the layout of your surroundings, and potential escape routes. It also means trusting your instincts—if something feels wrong, it probably is. By cultivating this mindset, young women can reduce their vulnerability to danger and respond more effectively if a threat arises.
The Power of Self-Defense
While awareness is key, having the skills to protect yourself is imperative. Learning self-defense empowers young women by giving them the tools and confidence to defend themselves in all situations. It’s not about being aggressive; rather, it’s about being prepared. Self-defense training teaches techniques to escape, defuse confrontations, and, if necessary, physically defend yourself. These skills are invaluable, but the process of learning them is equally significant.
Building a Community
By creating this platform where we can come together to take self-defense classes, it becomes a network of support that extends beyond the classroom. One of the outcomes that we are hoping to achieve is to create a community where we can provide a safe space where girls can share their concerns, discuss their fears, and celebrate their achievements. It fosters a sense of belonging and solidarity that strengthens each member individually and collectively. Knowing that there is a group of girls who have your back, who understand your challenges, and who are committed to helping each other in good times and bad, can make a significant difference in how we navigate life’s challenges.
GIRLS WHO LEAD – NOW
Founder, Surelle, shares her story
I would have never guessed I would ever be a victim of assault; however at the age of 14, I was assaulted.
For a while, I lived in a state of worry. Everywhere I went, I felt like I was constantly looking over my shoulder, wondering if this would happen again.
Eventually, I got to a point where I was ready to do something about the anxiety I had been facing. I was determined to find a way to be prepared if I were to face a similar situation again.
This is when I began to take self defense classes, based in Jiu-Jitsu and learned how important it is to feel secure even when I’m by myself. As I was taking more classes, I didn’t want to gatekeep the skills I acquired and wanted my friends to also participate in self defense classes. I started planning classes and events so other girls could learn what I was learning.
That was the moment when the idea of “GIRLS WHO LEAD –NOW” was created. “GIRLS WHO LEAD – NOW” is more than just a group—it’s a movement. A movement dedicated to teaching girls self-awareness, safety, and self-defense.
I wanted to create a space where girls could learn to protect themselves, where they could build confidence to walk down the street without fear, knowing they have the community and also the tools to defend themselves if necessary. But beyond the physical skills, I want to instill a sense of self-assuredness, a belief that we are all strong, capable, and worthy of safety and respect.
Meet our Instructor
Bridget Grace
Bridget was born in Trenton, NJ. She has been doing BJJ since 2012. Her favorite Jiu-Jitsu moves are strangles and arm locks. Bridget received her black belt from Master Renzo Gracie in 2020. Fun fact about Bridget: she sang opera in high school.
Bridget teaches Womens’ BJJ & BJJ Beginner Gi Classes.
JOIN US FOR A SESSION
We were proud to share our knowledge with the Epiphany School and look forward to our next session together!
Join us as we celebrate our 2nd Anniversary of Girls Who Lead – Now.
Details for our upcoming fundraiser will be announced soon—
Please check back on our website for updates!
CONTACT US