Choose is a self-defense platform and methodology that empowers real people in real life situations.
We are working to train teachers in every community who are deeply committed to sharing our methodology with everyone around them. We provide our teachers ongoing mentorship and support on their journey to become experts in the field. Our teachers train their communities in self-defense foundations, seeding cultural transformation in the workplace, family, and personal relationships.
These are the roots of a society led by respect and consent.
Move through the world with curiosity & confidence.
We are on a mission to build a global movement empowering people through self-defense tools to move through the world as they choose —with curiosity & confidence.
We have already put our model to the test, training over 30 instructors in Costa Rica and around Central America, as well as reaching thousands of students through our D2C programming.
Our award-winning documentary about our empowerment self-defense work in Costa Rica has been selected for film festivals, and screened in San Jose, Los Angeles, New York, and many other locations.
Now, we are partnering with established organizations in the Empowerment Self-defense movement to further amplify their impact and message, as well as joining forces with global hotel chains and other institutions to expand the audience for Empowerment Self-Defense and create new opportunities for instructors in our community.
The Choose Approach
Our self-defense methodology is rooted in deep respect for personal autonomy, a commitment to trauma awareness and healing, & an intersectional feminist approach to empowerment.
our team
Toby Israel
Founder & CEO
Amy Schmidt
Lead Teacher Trainer
Darío Araya
Administrative Assistant
Jimmy Soul
Lead Developper
Let’s work together!
Interested in organizing a private training for your team, organization, or community? Reach out to coordinate a training with a Choose-verified instructor.
- Empowerment experience tailored to your unique needs.
- Online and in-person trainings available.
- Expert facilitators customize your curriculum.
