Self-Defense, Martial Arts, and Fitness

Serving Raleigh, Durham, Cary, and Surrounding Areas.

Classes coming soon to Chapel Hill!

The Self-Defense Journey - Choose Your Program

Take Control Self-Defense

Multiple platform options available including in-person, virtual, and hybrid. Public, private and corporate classes customized for you to fit your needs and interests.

Warrior Fitness

Fun martial arts inspired fitness program to help take your fitness and self-defense to the next level. These go at your own pace classes are great for all fitness levels.

  • Public Classes

  • Private Customized Classes

  • Take Control Classes for Businesses

    Corporate Classes

  • Warrior Fitness Classes

    Warrior Fitness Classes

  • Prevention

  • Using Your Surroundings

  • De-Escalation Techniques

  • Getting Out of Various Grips

  • Effective Striking

  • Ground Defense

  • Joint Manipulation

  • Using a Kubaton and Stick

  • Everyday Items as Weapons

  • Defense Against a Knife

  • Defense Against a Gun

Meet Your Instructor

Melissa J. Palmer - President of Empowered Defense, LLC,
Senior Take Control Self-Defense Instructor and Founder of Warrior Fitness

  • 5th Degree Black Belt - Sanshinkai Karate

  • 4th Degree Black Belt - Sanshinkai Jujitsu

  • 1st Degree Black Belt - Judo

  • 2nd Brown - Iaijutsu

Melissa started training at Karate International of Raleigh in 2009 studying Karate, Jujitsu, Judo and Iaijutsu. In 2011 she assisted teaching a Take Control Self-Defense class and developed a purpose for teaching anyone, whether they had martial arts experience or not, how to defend themselves. In 2016 she founded Empowered Defense, LLC and took over the Take Control Self-Defense program as its Head Instructor. Melissa expanded the program to cover many areas of self-defense to help create customized classes for specific groups and individuals. Her extensive studies in various martial arts and BJJ and Krav Maga seminars, have allowed her to bring a unique and well rounded approach to teaching self-defense.

Melissa teaches classes at the Karate International schools, at Meredith College as an adjunct professor, and throughout the community. She also runs a karate program at Carolina Country Club.

“Thank you to Take Control Self Defense for a one hour virtual self defense class as part of our Women’s Empowerment series at Poblocki. Very informative and empowering.” – Poblocki Sign Company

“Melissa is one of the most helpful and knowledgeable people I’ve had teach a class. She’s very patient and always thoughtful of who she is teaching. She does some of the best demonstrations and is always uplifting.” - Leigh F.

“We loved having you! Thanks for teaching our employees great methods to take control.” – ElectriCities of NC

“At 62 years old , I started Warrior Fitness Class 30 days ago with high cholesterol, high blood sugar and high blood pressure. After 30 days of WFC all my blood work came back in normal range. It's the best " medicine " I"ve taken. My doctor told me not to stop. So much fun and Ms. Palmer is THE BEST.” - Randall S.