In Kirkland, a quiet but powerful movement is helping young women stand taller, walk safer, and protect themselves with confidence. With support from an Ignite Kirkland 2024 grant from the Kirkland Community Foundation, Oom Yung Doe Northwest—a nonprofit Traditional Martial Arts school—has expanded its women’s self-defense programming, offering training for women and girls ranging from free one-day community safety seminars, to 6-week self-defense classes, to working toward earning a black belt.

Led by Michelle Judy, President, 4th Degree Black Belt, and Assistant Regional Head Instructor, the impact of Oom Yung Doe teaches more than physical techniques—it instills mental resilience, situational awareness, and the belief that every woman deserves to feel safe and strong.

One program participant summed it up as “All women and girls should know how to protect themselves.” Another story about a different young program participant was this very idea in action.

Preparation and poise

A few years ago, a 17-year-old student, halfway to earning her black belt, was riding a bus when a man sitting beside her attempted to assault her. She didn’t freeze. She didn’t panic. She responded with precision and power, and using a technique called the double chung, she dropped him to the floor and held her stance until the driver stopped the bus and called police.

Later, she learned that without her strength and courage, she might have been his thirteenth victim that day. But because of her training, his assaults were stopped.

When she shared her story with her instructors with her mother by her side, the room was filled with pride—not just for her bravery, but for other potential victims she may have saved. Her biggest concern afterward wasn’t fear—it was whether she could ever ride the bus again. Her mother’s response was firm: “You can ride the bus. What you can’t do is quit Oom Yung Doe.”

She didn’t quit. She kept training, went on to college, and became a nurse. Her confidence was magnetic—other students began walking with her across campus, knowing she was someone who could protect herself and others. She became a quiet leader, a symbol of strength among her peers.

“This is exactly why we train,” said Judy. “It’s not just about technique—it’s about preparation, empowerment, and community.”

Wellness for the ages

Oom Yung Doe’s mission to promote health and wellness through Traditional Martial Arts, uses eight styles taught as one, to offer holistic movement that transforms students of all ages and abilities. From ages 4 to 84 (and beyond!), students progress at their own pace, building balance, strength, and peace of mind.

The Foundation’s Ignite grant has allowed the school to reach more women and girls, and to offer accessible, high-impact training that could one day save a life. It’s a testament to what community-led philanthropy can do—when neighbors invest in each other, real change happens.

During August and September 2025, Oom Yung Doe offered free, in-person women’s self-defense seminars led by female instructors. Participants learned and practiced simple, effective techniques to defend against front-facing attacks, built confidence, and used their voice to resist and draw attention. “This seminar built my confidence and helped me learn that simple moves can make a great impact no matter how ‘strong’ you think you are,” said one Oom Yung Doe participant.

And as Judy and her team prepare for their next round of courses, she hopes more families, nonprofits, and donors will join the movement, adding that there is a place here for every girl and woman in Kirkland, from the free one-day community safety seminars, to 6-week self-defense classes, to working toward earning a black belt.

Because when one girl stands up for herself, she stands up for all of us.

Learn more about Oom Yung Doe’s Kirkland classes at www.oomyungdoe-nw.com.

Neighbors helping Neighbors. Launched in fall 2024, the Kirkland Community Foundation’s inaugural Ignite Kirkland campaign united residents, nonprofits, and businesses to fund 28 impactful local projects—granting $45,000, empowering 26 organizations, and igniting a lasting spirit of generosity and collaboration across the community.