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Holly Ng Forrette

@hollyempowered

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💫Innovative Problem Solver
Martial arts/self-defense that meets you where you’re at mentally & physically
Ready to see what you can do? Let’s DM!

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👀 SNEAK PEEK 👀

Join us THIS SUNDAY for our Oct event 🥳 :
A self-defense workshop with @hollyempowered

This video shows Holly teaching Reema one of the self-defense moves that we’ll learn, to give you a sense of what to expect during the workshop💪🏽

Sun Oct 18, 1-3p
Affinity event for queer Asians 🌈🪷
At The Marie Equi Center @marieequi.center
Sliding scale cost, $0-$25
Check bio for 🎟️ link

The world feels heavy, so let’s come together and learn some new ways to keep ourselves and each other safe 💜💜💜

See you sooooon!! 😊

PS big thanks to @kay_loves_pdx for her video editing magic ✨

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Hi y’all! For our Oct event, we’re teaming up with Holly Ng @hollyempowered to offer a Safe Together Workshop specifically for our group! ✨

What: A self-defense workshop
When: Sun 10/18 1-3p
Where: The Marie Equi Center @marieequi.center
4434 SE 25th Ave, Portland, OR 97202

Cost: Pay-What-You-Want ($0-$25 sliding scale)
🎟️ Tix link in bio 🎟️

Masks are required 😷

This is an affinity event for folks who self-identify as queer & Asian 🌈🪷

Safe Together workshops provide a safe & inclusive environment as we discover how to make effective self-defense techniques work naturally with our bodies. We’ll learn how to use biomechanics, leverage, & knowledge of human anatomy to protect ourselves—regardless of body attributes, athleticism, & strength.

Dress for movement.
Bring questions, curiosity, & water 💦

It’s a rough world, especially for us as queer people of color 😔 So let’s come together and learn ways to help keep ourselves and each other safe 💞

💪🏽💪🏽💪🏽

Holly Ng has been an instructor since 2015, teaching Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Kali to kids & adults. She’s studied Kali/JKD for 17 years and Gracie Jiu-Jitsu for over 13 years. She’s a trauma-informed instructor & has successfully completed Gracie University’s Women Empowered Program. As an uncoordinated non-athlete for most of her life, Holly’s superpower & passion are showing people what their bodies are already capable of & breaking down techniques in an engaging & encouraging way for everyone 💗

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[Image description pinned in comments.]
Our monthly first Sundays self-defense class with @HollyEmpowered is this weekend!

Join us for a queer-centered, pay-what-you-can self-defense workshop led by instructor Holly Ng.
You'll learn essential safety tools like:
- Risk assessment & safe distance management
- Mental preparation for self-defense
- Survival & escape strategies from common attacks

This workshop is for all bodies and all abilities, and it’s happening Sunday, Feb 1 | 11am–1pm at The Marie Equi Center.
Masks are required, and accessibility is a priority: our space includes all-user restrooms and is ADA accessible.

Sliding scale ($0-$25) — register now with the link in Holly's bio!
Let’s keep each other Safe Together. 💜
#SafeTogether #MarieEquiCenter #QueerSelfDefense Flyer for Safe Together Workshop on Sunday, Feb 1, 11am–1pm at The Marie Equi Center, led by Holly Ng. Queer-centered, pay-what-you-can self-defense event. Masks required.

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[Image description pinned in comments.]
Start 2025 feeling empowered with @HollyEmpowered !!!

Our first public event of the year is all about protecting ourselves and each other.
Join us for a queer-centered, pay-what-you-can self-defense workshop led by instructor Holly Ng.
You'll learn essential safety tools like:
- Risk assessment & safe distance management
- Mental preparation for self-defense
- Survival & escape strategies from common attacks

This workshop is for all bodies and all abilities, and it’s happening Sunday, Jan 4 | 11am–1pm at The Marie Equi Center.
Masks are required, and accessibility is a priority: our space includes all-user restrooms and is ADA accessible.

Sliding scale ($0-$25) — register now with the link in bio!
Let’s keep each other Safe Together. 💜
#SafeTogether #MarieEquiCenter #QueerSelfDefense Flyer for the Safe Together Workshop, a queer-centered, pay-what-you-can self-defense class on Sunday, January 4 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Marie Equi Center, featuring a photo of masked participants practicing a self-defense move, instructor Holly Ng, a registration QR code, and notes that masks are required and the venue is ADA accessible.

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[Video description pinned in comments.]
Join us for the Solidarity Soirée, our biggest fundraising event of the year and a celebration of trans and queer resilience, joy, and care.

Sunday, December 7th
3:00–6:30 PM
The Marie Equi Center, 4434 SE 25th Ave

This is going to be quite the party, but it's also a chance to directly support trans and queer wellness through trauma-informed care, affirming services, and community-led programs. Every dollar raised goes toward sustaining low-barrier access to essential care for LGBTQIA2S+ people in Portland.

Tickets are sliding scale $0-$5 and give you access to:
• DJ sets & Drag performances by beloved local legends
• Silent auction & raffle prizes (VIP Jinkx & DeLa tickets, karaoke parties, comedy passes, and more)
• Bingo, food, drinks, and joyful community celebration

Can’t make it? You can still donate or share the link:
MarieEqui.Center/solidarity-soiree

Let’s show up for trans and queer care, with style!

#SolidaritySoiree #MarieEquiCenter #GiveGuide2025
@salsaslocas @urbanriverspirits @hipchicksdowine @hollywoodlightspdx @bugfloral @ferth_foto @tidygnomes @asha.wellness @millerknoll @queers_remodel_pdx @Portlandleather

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[Image description in comments.]
Self-defense workshop this Sunday, 11/2, from 11-1pm at The Marie Equi Center.

Price: Pay-What-You-Want ($0 - $25)

From the instructor:
"Sign up, tell a friend, bring a friend.
Safe Together workshops are not just opportunities to learn self-defense techniques in an inclusive, trauma-informed and accessible space, but a space where people find like-minded, 2SLGBTQIA+ folks and allies looking for safety and community find each other. In the 2 hours we spend together, attendees learn what they are capable of with the bodies they have."

Scan QR or contact @hollyempowered for more info and to sign up. Masks required for all attendees.

*The Marie Equi Center is ADA-compliant and features an ADA parking space, four gender-neutral ADA restrooms, and accessible facilities.
#SafeTogether #MarieEquiCenter #QueerSelfDefense Flyer for the Safe Together Workshop on Sunday, Nov 2nd from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Marie Equi Center. Queer-centered, pay-what-you-can self-defense class led by Holly Ng. Includes QR code to register. Masks required.

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[Image Description: A flyer for “Safe Together Workshop,” a queer-centered, pay-what-you-can self-defense class. The background is a gradient of magenta, teal, and purple. A central photo shows two masked participants practicing a defense move. The workshop covers safety basics like mindset, risk assessment, distance management, and escape techniques. It takes place Sunday, October 5th, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Marie Equi Center (4434 SE 25th Ave). The flyer includes a photo of instructor Holly Ng, a QR code for registration, and notes that masks are required, the venue is ADA accessible, and all bodies and abilities are welcome.]

Self-defense workshop this Sunday, 10/5, from 11-1pm.

From the instructor:
"Sign up, tell a friend, bring a friend.
Safe Together workshops are not just opportunities to learn self-defense techniques in an inclusive, trauma-informed and accessible space, but a space where people find like-minded, 2SLGBTQIA+ folks and allies looking for safety and community find each other. In the 2 hours we spend together, attendees learn what they are capable of with the bodies they have."

Scan QR or contact @hollyempowered for more info and to sign up. Masks required for all attendees.

*The Marie Equi Center is ADA-compliant and features an
ADA parking space, four gender-neutral ADA restrooms,
and accessible facilities. less Flyer for “Safe Together Workshop,” a queer-centered, pay-what-you-can self-defense class at the Marie Equi Center on Sunday, October 5th, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Includes topics like risk assessment and escape techniques. Instructor: Holly Ng. Masks required; ADA accessible; all bodies welcome.

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[IMAGE DESCRIPTION: On a dark/navy blue and purple background with white text that details an upcoming "Safe Together Workshop" and where/when it is taking place; there is also an image of three people partaking in self-defense lessons, along with a picture of the instructor on the bottom left corner. The second page of this post has a blue, purple, pink, and yellow gradient background and contains our contact information, such as our phone number (503-459-2584), email (info@marieequi.center) and our address (4434 SE 25th Ave., Portland, OR 97202).]

We're excited to continue hosting the "Safe Together Workshop" with @hollyempowered THIS SUNDAY, June 1st between 11AM and 1PM. These workshops are 2SLGBTQIA+ centered though open to everyone from all walks of life. Training is trauma-informed and inclusive to all.

All that said, we’d also like to reiterate our commitment to public health safety and protecting the most vulnerable in our community by asking that everyone please wear masks to our in-person events. We will be providing high-quality masks at the front reception area for all attendees. It is permissible for guests to remove masks only while eating or drinking in the designated eating or drinking areas.

Comments? Concerns? Feel free to contact Equi directly by DM-ing us, commenting below or by emailing us at info@marieequi.center

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Today is the YouTube premiere of episode 2025_10 of The Martial Arts Lifestyle Podcast with Oregon based martial artist Holly Ng. Holly is the founder of Safe Together, is an alumni at River City Warriors in Portland, and has just recently received her instructor credentials in JKD and FMA from Guro Dan Inosanto. Her martial arts background also includes study in Brazilian jiu-jitsu and Muay Thai and is a sought out self-defense instructor. Tune in and hear her story.

The YouTube version of the martial arts a lifestyle podcast are always free, but are abbreviated and are only the first 20 minutes or so of the interview.

https://youtu.be/JPEyXJZmHK8?si=UI-Raz3236O42acA

The abbreviated are also available on the following platforms:
Buzzsprout https://www.buzzsprout.com/2295689
Apple Podcasts
Spotify

There are two ways to get the full length podcast. One is the subscribe to our Patreon page www.patreon.com/malmag and you will get four podcasts each month a week before their release date. Patreon subscribers can also hear the full length podcasts on Spotify.

The other is to purchase single episodes on our Gumoad page at

https://malmag.gumroad.com

#martialartslifestylemagazine #martialartslifestyle #martialartslife #MALMAG #FMA #jeetkunedo #silat #muaythai

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As we roll into March tomorrow, check out our February 2025 Recap! ✨

We had great tabling opportunities for Pacific Islander Night at the Winterhawks v.s. Seattle Thunderbirds game, and at the Dear Aloha PDX screening. 🌺

We hosted our Protect Ourselves Workshops where the community came and we learned budgeting and self-defense! Lastly, Pacific Islander Day at PSU where some of our Directors hosted a variety of workshops for the P.I. High Schoolers in the area! 📝

See all the great things UTOPIA PDX got to do for February and we hope to see you for our future events! ✌🏽

A very large THANK YOU to @marytianna and @hollyempowered for leading our Protect Ourselves Workshops and for keeping our community protected.

Special thanks to @winterhawks, @dearalohafilm, and @portlandstate for including in your P.I. Events this month! 🌴

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Lots to do and see this week 😊

Join the email list to get the full Portland event list 𝓁𝑜𝓋𝒾𝓃𝑔𝓁𝓎 𝒹𝑒𝓁𝒾𝓋𝑒𝓇𝑒𝒹 to your inbox, every Wednesday.

Links in bio for:
➡️ email signup
➡️ full event calendar
➡️ submitting your event
➡️ support & sponsorships 💕

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A warm and kind update to the community- You are invited to participate in Healing Transformation's Two-Part "Protecting Ourselves Workshops - Finance & Self Defense"!

When: Saturday, February 22 from 10AM - 4PM
Where: UTOPIA PDX Office, 7535 NE Ambassador Pl, Ste F, Portland, OR 97220.

Our First Workshop: Protect Your Wallet, Introduction to Budgeting and Credit with SPDC.
In this workshop, we will provide an introduction to budgeting and credit. After a short presentation, we will have Q&A time to talk with our host to answer any questions you have about your specific financial needs.
This introductory to finances workshop will be co-facilitated with Marytianna Galo with SPDC.

Our Second Workshop: Protect Yourself, Self Defense Workshop
We will provide a self defense class from Holly Ng Forette from Safe Together. In this workshop, we will cover the following Personal Safety Foundations:
Mindset, mentality, risk assessment, Safe distance management, Survival & escape from common attacks.

All body types and abilities welcome!
MASKS REQUIRED (KN95s will be available)

Please register in advance at bit.ly/utopiarsvp

++About the location++
Free Parking
Max Red Line: Mt Hood Station
2 ADA bathrooms

If you have any accommodation needs and/or if transportation is not accessible
for you please reach out to stephanie@utopiaportland.org by February 8th

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