OUR MISSION:

Empower.

We envision a world in which all people are supported in their resistance to violence, exploitation, and degradation, and in claiming their rights to safety, respect, and autonomy.

Empowerment-Based Self-Defense

Warrior Sisters and affiliated chapters provide and promote empowerment-based self-defense training. Working with community partners, we offer accessible, empowerment-based, trauma-informed self-defense education for individuals, and organizations.

Our HIstory

Warrior Sisters was founded in 2013 by a small group of women in the Pacific Northwestern United States who believed that empowerment-based self-defense education should be available and accessible to every person who is at risk of violence. In 2014, Warrior Sisters became a 501(c)3 non-profit with representatives building communities and facilitating training and events across the United States. In 2021, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Warrior Sisters dissolved their non-profit status. A core group of trainers continue to work together as Warrior Sisters and affiliated chapters, including FistsUp! Eugene.

Meet Our Trainers

Kerrie is an entrepreneur and social activist based in Tulsa Oklahoma. She holds a Bachelors degree in psychology and is the President and Founder of CYA Enterprises which aims to teach people of all walks of life how to survive in perilous situatio… — Kerrie is an entrepreneur and social activist based in Tulsa Oklahoma. She holds a Bachelors degree in psychology and is the President and Founder of CYA Enterprises which aims to teach people of all walks of life how to survive in perilous situations. Kerrie was born into and raised by a family of activists and community leaders. Her life’s purpose is to help those around her grow and flourish into their best selves. She is an advocate for self defense in all of it's forms and is currently the lead trainer of the Tulsa Chapter.

Kerrie Harlin - TRAINER, TULSA, OK

Sarah Pishioneri is a mom, community organizer, and popular education aficionado. Sarah's professional work focuses on the intersections of land and labor exploitation. Warrior Sisters has provided Sarah with the supportive sisterhood she's spent a … — Sarah Pishioneri is a mom, community organizer, and popular education aficionado. Sarah's professional work focuses on the intersections of land and labor exploitation. Warrior Sisters has provided Sarah with the supportive sisterhood she's spent a lifetime looking for, and a body-focused outlet for emotionally taxing work. Sarah shares Warrior Sisters skills with her kids, a sometimes reluctant partner, and with womxn in her local community as a support and assist trainer.

Sarah - Trainer, Eugene OR

Elizabeth brings more than 15 years of combined experience working with non-profit organizations as an educator, program manager, and steward of natural and agricultural lands. Since 2013, she has participated in dedicated Aikido training at Eugene … — Elizabeth brings more than 15 years of combined experience working with non-profit organizations as an educator, program manager, and steward of natural and agricultural lands. Since 2013, she has participated in dedicated Aikido training at Eugene Aikikai. Passionate about contributing to, and benefiting from, strong communities where all people can be their authentic selves, she is honored to volunteer as a trainer for Warrior Sisters. Aside from physical skills, Elizabeth regularly participates in justice and equity focused learning communities, non-violent communication practice, and regular zen meditation (Shinto).

Elizabeth - Trainer, Eugene, OR

Mackenzie - Trainer, Eugene OR

Tori - Trainer, EUgene OR

It is your participation and strength that inspires and motivates us to continue working to provide free, accessible, inclusive self-defense training to our communities.