At Martial Arts Nation Lake Nona, we're committed to providing women with a safe, empowering, and effective self-defense training option through Jiu-Jitsu. Unlike some self-defense courses or traditional striking-based martial arts, Jiu- Jitsu emphasizes leverage, control, technique, and ground-based defense—making it especially relevant for women of all sizes and fitness levels who want real-world self- protection and confidence.
Below we'll examine the facts, the research, and the benefits — and show how training right here in Lake Nona can help you take charge of your personal safety and well- being.
Before we talk specifically about BJJ, let's look at the broader context: the risks women face and why learning to defend oneself is not optional.
These data underline the reality: violence against women is a significant problem, and training in self-defense has measurable benefits. The question becomes: which kind of training gives you real self-defense capability?
Here's how Jiu-Jitsu stands out for women's self-defense, based on what research tells us and how the art is structured.
Many self-defense scenarios involve a size/strength disadvantage for a woman facing an attacker. BJJ is built around the premise that a smaller person can defend against a larger one by using proper positioning, leverage, and body mechanics. This makes it highly practical for women.
Women who train in self-defense show increased self-efficacy and ability to resist victimization. ODU Digital Commons+1
Many assaults escalate into close-quarters situations, grappling, or on the ground. The research review on self-defense training highlights skills in escape, control, and resisting non-consensual contact as key outcomes. PubMed+1
Jiu-Jitsu trains you exactly in these kinds of situations: escaping holds, controlling distance, and countering from the ground. That makes it highly appropriate for real self- defense—not just "striking from afar".
Beyond physical technique, Jiu-Jitsu training for women has been shown to increase self-esteem, assertiveness, and psychological resilience. For example, a study found women in martial arts exhibited significantly higher levels of psychological resilience (in areas such as "control" and "challenge") compared to non-practitioners. PMC Another found that short self-defense courses increased self-confidence and self- assurance among adult women. Current Issues in Sport Science
These mental shifts matter—a confident, alert woman who believes she can act is already better prepared.
The integrative review of women's self-defense training found that carefully designed programs produced improved real-world outcomes—meaning training that includes realistic scenario practice, physical techniques, and psychological preparation works. EVAWI+1
At Martial Arts Nation, we apply these principles through live-rolling, positional sparring, and drills that mimic real pressure—giving you the kind of training that translates.
So, what does all this mean for you, training right here in Lake Nona? When you join our women's intro class, you begin your journey to a more confident, empowered you!
You'll learn:
These aren't just gym moves—they are tactics rooted in real-world self-defense logic and supported by the research on what actually works.
As you train you'll begin to feel different: stronger posture, clearer presence, better awareness, increased self-trust. The research shows this matters. Self-defense training reduces victimization risk, and builds psychological resilience. PubMed+1 This isn't just about fighting—it's about believing you can.
You'll get a full-body workout: increased strength, improved mobility, better coordination—and you'll be doing it with a purpose. One study showed martial arts training in women improved agility, physical self-defense capability, and quality of life. Frontiers+1
So even if fitness is a goal, training at MANA Nation gives you dual benefits: fitness and self-defense… many of our students have lost over 40 lbs. in under 3 months!
We provide a respectful, inclusive environment. You'll train with women who understand your goals and with instructors trained to support your journey. This social component boosts consistency and enjoyment—which matters for your long-term training success.
Located in Lake Nona, our facility makes it easy for you to drop in, stay consistent, and build a habit with class times that work with any schedule. You're not traveling far—you're investing locally in your safety, body, mind, and community.
Yes. Jiu-Jitsu emphasizes technique and strategy over athleticism or size. Many women start with no previous martial-arts experience. You'll be guided from fundamentals upward. In fact, over 90% of our current students had never been trained before and had their first martial arts class with us.
Safety is our priority. We match partners appropriately, start with foundational drills, and progress at your pace. Women-friendly classes help you build comfort and skill before advancing.
While everyone's timeline is different, many women report feeling changes in awareness, posture and mindset within just a few classes. Skill takes time—but the confidence and presence build quickly.
On average, within 3 months, you know more self-defense skills than 97% of the U.S> population…. It takes 10 years to get a black belt, but the learning curve is quite impressive.
Not all programs are equally effective. For example, a review found that modern self- defense training (including scenario practice, realistic drills) produced better outcomes than purely traditional martial-arts instruction. NSUWorks+1
That's why we focus on realistic live-rolling, scenario drills, and techniques applicable to real self-defense, with Jiu-Jitsu as the foundation.
You don't need to wait any longer. The path to greater safety, strength, and confidence begins now. We would love to have you join our free women's intro Jiu-Jitsu class.
In this one-on-one class, you'll:
All you need to bring is comfortable athletic wear, a water bottle, and flip flops, and we'll provide everything else and welcome you in the MANLN Family.
Every woman deserves to feel safe, strong, and confident. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu gives you the tools to make that reality—not just through bold claims, but through technique, system, and research-backed outcomes.
By enrolling at MANLN, you're not just signing up for another class—you're investing in your self-defense capability, your fitness, your mindset, and your community.
Visit manationlakenona.com or stop by our Lake Nona location today to reserve your FREE intro class. Your safety, empowerment, and self-confidence are worth it—and we're here to help you build them, one roll at a time.
LIVING A HEALTHIER LIFE WITH MORE CONFIDENCE WHILE TRAINING YOUR WHOLE BODY AND MIND TOGETHER IS PARAMOUNT TO LIVING AN AMAZING LIFE, AND WITH OUR PROVEN WORLD-RENOWNED BRAZILIAN JIU-JITSU PROGRAMS TAUGHT BY WORLD CHAMPION AND ICON PROFESSOR RICARDO LIBORIO THAT IS EXACTLY WHAT YOU WILL ACHIEVE.
We develop your seft-defense, fitness, and confidence througnout your Jiu-Jitsu techniques, not just training but a system for success in every class.
Also, one of the best parts is not only do you train with amazing people in our local Lake Nona community, but you gain a new GYM family here that always has your back.
Our programs offer you fantastic opportunity to get back into shape or reach new heights of fitness/athletic performance with a customized program tailored for your aspirations. Whether it be losingweight, distressing from work, or knowing you can better defend yourself and your family we have you covered at MA-Nation Lake Nona.
We offer an enhanced Jiu-Jitsu curriculum that incorporates the best elements of other martial arts, such as Judo, while keeping the most effective martial art as its foundation, Jiu-Jitsu.
Did we mention that classes are taught by World-renowned World Champion Ricardo Liborio!?
We focus on the physical, mental, and personal development aspects of martial arts, not just self-defense techniques.
Our Elite Professors are certified black belts with IBJJF, and qualified/licensed to teach martial arts to the highest degree.
Each of our professors and coaches have passed intensive testing and certification processes based on years of tradition, research & development… on average a black belt takes over 10 years to earn… With us you earn every one of your stripes and belts.
FACT WORTH KNOWING: 1 OUT OF 1000 ADULTS IN THE UNITED STATES WILL BE ASSAULTED THIS YEAR ALONE!
EVERY 73 SEC. AN AMERICAN IS SEXUALLY ASSAULTED
EVERY 25 SEC. A VIOLENT CRIME TAKES PLACE IN THE U.S.
HOME BURGLARIES TAKE PLACE IN THE UNITED STATES PER DAY
Learn to Defend Yourself and Your Family with Jiu-Jitsu Today With MA-Nation Lake Nona
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Othon Roitman
Father and Son
Martial Arts Nation LN is by far the best program in any sports category I've had for my kids. It's a truly family environment, coaches are fantastic and we have the privilege to train with master Ricardo Liborio, renowned BJJ black belt world champion, a true legend in the sport, who personally teaches ...
Julie Leischer
Edgewater Highschool Teacher
Martial Arts Nation- Lake Nona is a first class Martial Arts experience. The Lake Nona area is lucky to have this gym led by world renowned Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belt Ricardo Liborio. His experience in the martial arts world and mixed martial arts arena is second to none.
Tu Van
ER Nurse
World class instruction by a legend of the sport and overall great human being! Also, people say it all the time…but this gym embodies great vibes. Once you step on the mats there is a positive, family vibes that is great for people just starting to people that have been training for years.
Chad Wallace
GYM Nickname "Chadanooga"
Our 8yo boy absolutely loves it, and I gotta say he's not usually excited with sports-type activities. The whole staff is super focused on the kids, call everybody by their names, make accommodations considering individualities and make sure to abide by leadership principals such as discipline ...
Felipe Fonseca
Our 8yo boy absolutely loves it, and I gotta say he's not usually excited with sports-type activities. The whole staff is super focused on the kids, call everybody by their names, make accommodations considering individualities and make sure to abide by leadership principals ...
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Phil Guadalupe
Excellent program. I had trained for 10 years elsewhere and have witnessed several quality programs. I am pleased to wholly endorse this amazing program like no other. Careul attention and family atmosphere. Do not hesitate to enjoy the experience together with ...
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David Brogan
Professor Liborio is not only one of the best practitioners and instructors in the world, he's one of the nicest gentlemen in the world. The atmosphere at Martial Arts Nation is incredibly friendly and welcoming. Everyone here from student to instructor instantly makes you feel ...
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Cass Moore
Martial Arts Nation in Lake Nona, FL has been a transformative experience for my daughters. In just 4 months, they've not only honed their Jiu-Jitsu skills but also imbibed essential values like leadership, respect, and consideration for others. The fantastic coach-to-student ratio ensures ...
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Learn the foundational elements of Jiu-Jitsu, striking, and self-defense.
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(407) 951-4306
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We offer Adults Martial Arts programs for ages 13 & up.
Our primary goal is to make sure all our Jiu-Jitsu students have the time of their lives training in an enjoyable, family, and safe environment. Drop by and see a class for yourself - we all have a blast, and our instructors love it too!
Not at all; our classes offer a good mix of both men and women of all fitness levels, ages, and years of training. It's very common in Martial Arts for beginners to train alongside some of the more experienced students to learn safely and progress faster…. helping each other out in an enjoyable team environment is a pillar of the Jiu-Jitsu culture and out gym.
Athletic shorts or leggings and a tighter-fitting t-shirt are perfect for your first day. After your first class, we have all the gear you will need at our PRO shop ready to go.
You will receive an email and phone confirmation with instructions on how to enjoy your first class of Jiu-Jitsu. One of our instructors will call you, or you may contact the school directly at: 407-580-3835
We have a program for everyone and every budget. We offer monthly investment options as well as savings on longer programs of up to 10% and a FREE Gi (uniform). Ask our GYM manager about these savings and our family plans.
Not at all! You will learn battle-tested Jiu-Jitsu and self-defense techniques safely. We do, of course, offer live sparring, what we call (ROLLING) when you're ready to provide you with the best conditioning of your life and to more fully prepare you should a real-life confrontation arise. The great thing is if at any time you feel uncomfortable, all you do is tap twice with your hand or foot, which stops the roll immediately…. we're always safe!
Address
6424 Alexandra Louise Dr. Suite 160
Orlando, FL 32780
Call Us
(407) 951-4306