Self-Defense, Martial Arts, and Fitness
Serving Raleigh, Durham, Cary, and Surrounding Areas.
Classes coming soon to Chapel Hill!
The Self-Defense Journey - Choose Your Program
Take Control Self-Defense
Multiple platform options available including in-person, virtual, and hybrid. Public, private and corporate classes customized for you to fit your needs and interests.
Warrior Fitness
Fun martial arts inspired fitness program to help take your fitness and self-defense to the next level. These go at your own pace classes are great for all fitness levels.
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Public Classes
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Private Customized Classes
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Corporate Classes
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Warrior Fitness Classes
Prevention
Using Your Surroundings
De-Escalation Techniques
Getting Out of Various Grips
Effective Striking
Ground Defense
Joint Manipulation
Using a Kubaton and Stick
Everyday Items as Weapons
Defense Against a Knife
Defense Against a Gun
Meet Your Instructor
Melissa J. Palmer - President of Empowered Defense, LLC,
Senior Take Control Self-Defense Instructor and Founder of Warrior Fitness
5th Degree Black Belt - Sanshinkai Karate
4th Degree Black Belt - Sanshinkai Jujitsu
1st Degree Black Belt - Judo
2nd Brown - Iaijutsu
Melissa started training at Karate International of Raleigh in 2009 studying Karate, Jujitsu, Judo and Iaijutsu. In 2011 she assisted teaching a Take Control Self-Defense class and developed a purpose for teaching anyone, whether they had martial arts experience or not, how to defend themselves. In 2016 she founded Empowered Defense, LLC and took over the Take Control Self-Defense program as its Head Instructor. Melissa expanded the program to cover many areas of self-defense to help create customized classes for specific groups and individuals. Her extensive studies in various martial arts and BJJ and Krav Maga seminars, have allowed her to bring a unique and well rounded approach to teaching self-defense.
Melissa teaches classes at the Karate International schools, at Meredith College as an adjunct professor, and throughout the community. She also runs a karate program at Carolina Country Club.