Survive Self Defense
Empowering women of ALL ages and physical ability to become their own hero by learning basic self defense skills. By participating in the many different Survive programs you will gain a new sense of confidence by learning how to protect yourself, physically and mentally. It is never too late or too early to take the first step!
“I believe the more tools we have in our toolbox the better. I feel stronger, more confidence and empowered since I started practicing self-defense. I feel it’s an important skill for all, but specially for us women,”
— Gisele Bündchen
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10 Week Program
One of the most effective ways to master your self defense skills is continued education. Making skills learned a instinctual reaction
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Corporate Programs
Rally up your co workers for a workplace specific Self Defense Seminar!
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Private Lessons
Take your Jiu Jitsu or Self Defense skills to another level with private lessons.
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Sip & Survive
Grab your best girl friends for a unique girls night out or bachelorette party experience!
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Women's only Jiu Jitsu Class
Join Megan every Saturday at Carlson Gracie Castle Rock for a FREE women’s only Jiu Jitsu class!
“Self-defense is so important to know in today's society. It's not just that you might get mugged. It's more for confidence. It's the way you hold yourself when you walk into a room. Every step you take is more sure and you're much more aware of your surroundings”
— Milla Jovovich
About Survive’s founder
Megan Redman Hardesty
Megan Hardesty was born and raised in Nebraska and moved to Colorado in 2012. She is married to Eddy Hardesty and is a proud dog mom to their dog Dexter Douglas. Megan is as a skilled martial artist and dedicated coach at the Carlson Gracie Academy in Castle Rock. She holds a purple belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and has a passion for sharing her knowledge and skills with others. When she is not training Jiu Jitsu you can usually find her with her family.
Her love for her family, especially her late younger brother Nate, has always been a driving force in her life. The loss of Nate in 2019 sparked a transformation in Megan and motivated her to live a life with purpose, one that would make her brother proud. With a passion for empowering women and the goal of honoring her brothers memory, Megan founded the Survive Self Defense program. Survive was created by the motivation her brother provided her when he became his own hero despite his circumstances. Megan’s goal is to empower women to embody that same mindset Nate had, that we are all capable of becoming our own hero. She believes that women of ALL ages and skill levels have the ability to protect themselves, it just takes that first step!
Myths Surrounding Self Defense
There are many myths surrounding self defense, which can lead to misconceptions and ineffective practices. Here are a few common self defense myths:
Myth: You need to be physically strong to defend yourself.
Fact: Self defense is not just about physical strength, but also about using your body mechanics, awareness, and techniques effectively.
Myth: Carrying a weapon guarantees your safety.
Fact: Carrying a weapon does not guarantee your safety and can actually increase the risk of harm, especially if you are untrained in using it.
Myth: A kick to the groin and poke in the eye is all you need
Fact: While strikes to vulnerable areas can be effective, relying solely on these techniques is not sufficient for protecting yourself in all scenarios
Myth: It's not necessary to practice self defense because you'll instinctively know what to do.
Fact: Instincts can be misleading, and it's important to have practical self defense skills and training to effectively defend yourself in dangerous situations.
It's important to educate yourself and separate fact from fiction when it comes to self defense. Staying up to date and continuing your training and education is a crucial to being able to unlock the techniques you learn in a violent or stressful situation.
