Living in the city, SFist has had our fair share of unsettling encounters (the weird guy following us up the street, shouting obscenities; loud conflicts taking place right in the middle of the sidewalk, with shoving; overly-chatty BART seatmates getting a little too close; the list goes on) -- so SFist was pleased to find out about the Women's Beginner self-defense martial arts class being offered by the Progressive Martial Arts program. As the flyer states, the class will "strengthen your mind, body, and spirit through modern self-defense, mixed martial arts, and anti-oppression education." The class is woman-only (so yes to male-to-female transgenders, but no for female-to-males, boyfriends, and children), but mixed-gender classes are available on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

The women's beginner class will be held at the feminist art space Femina Potens, and will start on November 1; $10/class or $45-85 for monthly fees. So if you've been interested in martial arts training, or if you've been intrigued by the idea of feminist physical activity -- or if you just think yoga is too darn blissed out -- register now! (415-641-5304, or [email protected]).