A Movement for Women,
By Women
At WeCan, we believe self-defense is self-worth.
WeCan is rooted in the Women Empowered® program by Gracie University, self-defense lessons founded by three guiding principles:
Street applicability
Energy efficiency
Natural body movements
Grandmaster Helio Gracie and Carlos Gracie established the first Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Academy in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in 1925. Today, his family still operates the academy, and Gracie is an internationally recognized name with affiliated schools across the globe.
Ready to see what WeCan is all about?
Meet Renee
Renee Houser stepped on the mat for the first time after 47ish revolutions around the sun. Not knowing the differences between the martial arts, it was with a bit of trepidation. She was hooked after the first 10 minutes of her first class. “What I love about jiu jitsu is that it’s for EVERYONE, but it specifically gives women the tools they need to feel empowered as the decision maker for their minds, body, and soul.”
When not on the mat, she spends time reading, writing, and thinking about how to raise up a generation of critical thinkers and independent decision makers as the founder of Read.Write.Think.with Renee, spending time with her family, and taking on an occasional crochet project or two.
Today, Renee’s on a mission to redefine self-defense as a form of self-care and self-worth. Through WeCan, she helps women embrace their power, build community, and gain the confidence to navigate the world with strength.
Meet Marisol
Marisol De Santiago’s Jiu Jitsu journey began on Sunday February 27, 2022. Her husband had signed her up for an all women’s self-defense seminar. After the two hour seminar, she drove home feeling more empowered than she had ever felt before. The amazement and power she felt when flipping 6’4” Rener Gracie off of her, was all it took to believe this program worked.
Fast forward to June 10, 2023 she tested for the Pink Belt and passed earning not only that Pink Belt but everything that belt stands for. She earned her confidence back, the reassurance she has the tools she needs to defend herself. Soon after earning her Pink Belt, Marisol began the certification process and received certification July 24, 2024.
“This is a journey I never thought I would be on, a journey I never knew I needed. Jiu Jitsu has not only allowed me to learn to defend myself, but also it has allowed me to heal.”
Join the Movement
WeCan is more than a self-defense program—it’s a community. Whether you're just starting your journey or looking to become a Community Ambassador, there’s a place for you here.