A self defense for women directory focused on self defense and firearms training spaces built for women
Self Defense for Women
Ellie’s focus is verifying self defense and firearms training facilities for women that are women-only, women-owned, or women-led.
The self defense for women directory is small right now because every business is contacted by a real human who awaits an email response. Only so many emails can be sent in a day, and the contact list is filled with 20k+ businesses located in the United States. As businesses confirm details and women in the community share trusted spaces, the directory will be continuously updated.
I would rather show you twelve places I can stand behind than twelve thousand I scraped off a map, which is what most directories are.
Derek Ryans
Founder
Safety Support for Women
A self defense for women directory should do more than just list places that teach self defense moves and firearm safety. Real protection comes from confidence, community support, and the stories of women who’ve been there.
“Ellie” represents every woman: your sister, your friend, your daughter, you.
The goal is to build this platform into a true safe space for women.
Ellie was built by a guy who believes men can do better.
This needs to be said in full transparency, since you’re probably wondering if this is a trustworthy source.
“Your body, my choice” became something men said out loud and felt fine about it.
I was disgusted by the rhetoric and the rage bait I saw online. So I built Ellie. Because somebody should do something, rather than just mouth off on social media.
Since this is a self defense for women space, you won’t see much of me here. Feel free to visit Ryans.Group to meet the nerdy architect that likes to build digital communities.
Ellie was inspired by a Queen.
Jess Lee is a singer. She carries herself like a queen and spends most of her energy lifting other humans up, myself included.
I asked her to doodle hearts all over a CD she was signing and she drew one, lol. One single heart with an infinity sign mimicking a mathematical exponential function.
That doodle became Ellie Badass. It started as a jewelry brand, and it was fun, but it felt a bit hollow. Jess inspired people. I just created a brand that contributed to capitalism.
If Ellie was a person, I feel like she would want more. She would want to be more than a fun project that a guy built to impress another girl.
So it became this instead. Just Ellie. Fight Like Ellie.