2026-05-24T15:43:43.229Z

2026-04-19T14:15:41.420Z

The Smart Girl Self Defense Class is so valuable for anyone wanting to learn skills to protect yourself. I am so glad I took the class. I feel more empowered now. It is very thorough and the instructors are so knowledgeable and helpful! I highly recommend this class!

2026-02-12T23:59:38.631Z

I absolutely love this place!!! There is not judgement and it's a very supportive environment for girls and women, I am a girl and I am a pre-teen, everyone is very nice there and very supportive, this place is perfect for pre-teen, teens, adults, literally any girl or women at any age!! It's so amazing and I have gotten stronger from it!! Thank you Mrs. Heather!!! 😊❤

2026-01-20T17:01:44.080Z

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Absolutely empowering and invaluable experienceI took the Smart Girl Self-Defense class at Jackson Wink last Saturday, and I cannot recommend it highly enough.I’ve never had the opportunity to take a truly practical self-defense class before—especially one that included real-world situations like carjacking awareness and home protection. This program goes far beyond theory. It’s realistic, hands-on, and taught by people with an incredible depth of experience.Heather Winkeljohn and her husband Mike Winkeljohn were absolutely fabulous—clear, supportive, and truly empowering. They taught essential street-level self-defense skills in a way that felt approachable and confidence-building. Greg Jackson then walked us through home-defense scenarios, including what to do in the rare but frightening event of a home invasion.I even learned the basics of how to clear a house with a firearm. I’ll be honest—I’ve always been intimidated by guns and had never handled one before. This class helped me realize how important it is to be informed and familiar, even if you never plan to own one. That alone was incredibly eye-opening and empowering.What stood out most was the heart behind the instruction. This is a team genuinely committed to helping women feel safer, stronger, and more confident—without ego or intimidation.Don’t hesitate because you think you’re “too old” or inexperienced. This class truly is for women of all ages. I’m 65, and I’m so glad I took it.If you’re even considering it—do it. You’ll walk away more confident, more aware, and better prepared.

2026-01-20T14:44:20.412Z

Smartgirl Self Defense Classes are jam packed with useful information and skills instruction. Instructors are top notch, atmosphere is engaging and supportive. I’ve done several of their classes, including refreshers, and will keep coming back.The home defense in particular was both fun and informative.

2026-01-20T01:41:02.880Z

Greg is an amazing instructor. will be looking into the one section of home protection. it was concise and "dad jokes" funny. This is a real course of self-protection.

2025-11-24T19:39:47.155Z

I signed up with a coworker through continuing education and this was an amazing class that all women should take! The instructors are phenomenal and use real life examples to demonstrate moves and teach skills necessary to defend yourself if bad situations arise. They made everyone feel welcome and included. There was a wide age range of women in the class and that showed how much span and reach the class is getting. Take it and see for yourself. You won’t be disappointed and it’s a great workout!

2025-11-24T15:39:42.025Z

2025-09-02T16:08:58.821Z

My daughter is heading off to college in California and I am a home health nurse. Your class has taught both of us to be very aware of our surroundings and the people in our proximity. Knowledge is power. And learning some simple self-defense tips is knowledge. Your program is invaluable to all women in this increasingly unpredictable world. Thank you so much!!

2025-07-29T20:22:01.371Z

I signed up for the 4 hour Smart Girl Self Defense class through UNM Continuing Ed. It was high energy and filled with lots of different techniques for many different kinds of situations. I was surprised at the age range of girls and women. I felt included and welcome and they accommodated my arthritis issues so I could participate. I highly recommend this class as the instructors were top notch!

2025-04-27T01:11:10.989Z

2025-03-10T19:08:51.083Z

What a great learning experience! Comfortable setting, solid information, great format, and even though we were learning skills to help protect ourselves, we had a really fun time! SO EMPOWERING!!!

2025-02-01T15:22:44.441Z

Best in class instruction and motivation! I am now more prepared to take action to protect myself and my family. Loved the class, the active and informative lessons, and the amazing instructors. 100% recommend!

2025-01-21T01:18:42.547Z

I️ took part of the 3 day weekend self defense seminar, which included several different aspects of self defense. They had multiple professional ranging from MMA fighters, state police officers, firefighters, etc. to give knowledge and provide personal experience in better way to protect myself. I️ had no fighting or shooting experience previous to this seminar and they do a great job of providing all the knowledge needed. All the instructors were very informative, helpful and patience. Not only was it a welcoming environment with all the participants/instructors but it was an empowering environment. I️ was provided so many useful resources and will continue to participate in activities from Smart Girl Self Defense! I️ highly recommend!

2024-10-21T18:56:48.099Z

Amazing instructors. I learned a lot in this class and look forward to taking more.

2024-09-30T14:50:42.801Z

AMAZING! Felt so comfortable and at ease here and they really challenge you to practice so you can feel how it would feel it real life situations. Also at the end, you get a really cool "test" which I am still sore from two days later. Highly would recommend here if you are looking to feel a little more safe out in this world.

2024-09-01T14:16:30.501Z

This is an amazing class! I would recommend every woman take this class and the monthly refreshers that are offered for free. What you learn is extremely functional, applicable, and empowering - it’s a lot of fun and a great workout too!

2024-08-14T11:54:17.259Z

2024-01-18T03:54:48.941Z

6 months ago, I was almost the victim of a kidnapping. If some bystanders hadn't stepped in, I would not have been able to stop it. The experience left me terrified to leave my house and afraid to interact with people around me.I was a very helpful and extroverted person before this experience and I thought that the trauma would permanently change who I fundamentally was. Less than a week after my experience, I was looking up women's self-defense classes and I just happened to pick this one. I am so glad that I did, because I truly believe that smart girl self-defense exists not for the money, but solely for the purpose of helping women learn to be safe. The first class I took was just over a week after the incident and I was in tears at the end. Now, I take advantage of the FREE refresher courses that they offer every month, and my friends and family have said that I have started to become more of myself again. I feel confident, more aware, less afraid to stand up for myself and I've been having fun doing it! I wish that I had taken this class years ago. If you have a woman or girl in your life that you love, bring them here. This is more than just learning how to break free of someone's grip, this class instills knowledge on how to avoid even getting into situations as well as what to do if you get into one. This is THE women's self-defense class.

2023-11-29T13:50:44.333Z

I highly recommend the yoga class at SGSD. It's gentle and helps relieve tension in the body. Danielle has a great teaching style. She explains each movement well and offers modifications and props. I feel lighter after each class, and it helps fight the Sunday Blues.

2023-11-21T15:07:51.131Z

Great class! I encourage all women to take some sort of self defense class. This one was excellent! Thank you Heather for providing this training!

2023-09-30T01:18:57.127Z

This class was great! I’ve gone through a couple of self defense or awareness classes and these instructors were the best ones with great real world application. I encourage everyone to take this class!

2023-09-17T01:52:52.476Z

This place is THE BEST! It's thoughtfully laid out and very fun. You feel stronger, smarter and more confident after the smart girl self defense class. I have taken a couple times with my daughter and it's a very warm comfortable environment with amazing staff. They truly care for what they do. It's such an informative class that could save your life. Very well rounded. One of the best experiences me and my daughter could have, thank you for this amazing class and hands on experience!

2023-08-05T20:28:10.788Z

2023-08-05T00:05:55.775Z

2023-07-25T20:03:26.267Z

The Smart Girl Self Defense course was informative, practical, and empowering! I have been talking nonstop about it to everyone - highly recommend!

2023-06-12T22:31:30.247Z

The class was a very empowering and friendly environment. It worked through basic things to defend yourself from in a pinch. Main take always is to be aware and keep distance from things that seem threatening. The class also gave woman the space to talk and feel heard which is a great thing to feel. Overall, I would take this class again and recommend it to many others!

2023-06-11T12:11:58.941Z

Every women should take this class! Not only do you learn techniques but you also learn some psychology around how to protect yourself. I was surprised by how much fun we had and laughed. The couches and teachers are all so nice and make for a FUN and COMFORTABLE atmosphere. I left with a strong bond with some of the women I had just met that day and exchanged numbers to keep practicing! I felt strong and empowered when I left. After taking the class I had techniques and moves that can help protect not just me but help protect my family, friends, pets, and loved ones. I will defiantly be back and regularly taking classes! 💪💗😄

2023-05-21T23:24:07.583Z

The self defense class was excellent.

2023-05-02T02:43:39.837Z

Thank you all for the detailed yet realistic view of what dangerous situations can be and what to do to defend myself! I'm a healthcare worker and time to receive techniques needed for life! I want more! 😊