GAINESVILLE, Fla. Gainesville women will soon have a new opportunity to build confidence, sharpen awareness, and learn practical self-defense skills. On Saturday, September 14, Dr. Craig Sainz 2nd-degree Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Black Belt and Doctor of Chiropractic will host Command Presence: A Self-Defense Workshop for Women, a two-hour training designed to help participants stay calm, capable, and confident under pressure. Unlike traditional self-defense classes that focus on fear-based scenarios, Command Presence emphasizes presence, boundaries, and real-world skills that can be practiced in a supportive, ego-free environment. The workshop will cover: Situational awareness & boundary-setting Survival escapes & getting back to your feet Defense against strikes & common attacks Tools for staying composed in high-stress encounters This isnt a class about paranoia or victimhood, said Dr. Sainz. Its about teaching women the tools to manage and respond in the moments when they need it most. We focus on mental preparedness as much as physical techniques. Our goal is to empower participants to be proactive rather than reactive when facing dangerous situations. Sainz, who has spent over a decade teaching Jiu Jitsu, believes that confidence is key to self-defense. He asserts that by learning to manage stress and make quick decisions, women can significantly improve their ability to defend themselves in real-life situations. The workshops approach is not about fighting back in every scenario, but rather focusing on de-escalation and creating opportunities to escape dangerous situations. This holistic approach is aimed at providing lasting skills that can help women feel secure in various aspects of their lives, both on the street and in their daily routines. Dr. Sainz and his team of instructors will offer individualized attention to ensure every participant receives the guidance and practice they need to gain proficiency. The two-hour event will begin at 10 a.m. and include practical drills, interactive discussions, and a Q&A session at the end. This unique approach has already attracted attention from various local womens groups, with many seeing it as a necessary tool in an increasingly uncertain world. As of now, over 50 women have pre-registered for the event, demonstrating strong interest in enhancing their personal safety skills. The workshop will take place at Carlson Gracie Gainesville, a facility renowned for its dedication to both Jiu Jitsu and community engagement. The dojo is equipped to support various training needs, and participants will have access to mats, equipment, and expert instructors. In addition to Dr. Sainzs self-defense expertise, the event is backed by local law enforcement, with representatives offering insights into the legal aspects of self-defense and personal protection. Command Presence: A Self-Defense Workshop for Women is expected to become a regular event, with plans for more sessions in the future. It serves as part of an ongoing effort to empower women with practical skills that enhance their safety and self-confidence.