By Coral Gables Gazette staff
The Coral Gables Police Department will offer a free, six-session self-defense course for female participants beginning Monday, Aug. 3, with officers emphasizing that registrants should plan to attend the entire two-week program rather than select individual classes.
The department’s returning Fight Like a Girl course will be held in the Community Meeting Room at Police and Fire Headquarters, 2151 Salzedo St. Sessions are scheduled on weekday evenings and Saturday mornings through Aug. 15. Registration is being handled directly by Officer Natalie Flores.
The city describes the program as instruction in practical self-defense tactics but has not published a detailed curriculum, minimum age, residency requirement, class size or registration deadline. Prospective participants should confirm those details when enrolling.
Six classes over two weeks
The schedule begins with two evening sessions during the first week:
- Monday, Aug. 3, from 6 to 8 p.m.
- Wednesday, Aug. 5, from 6 to 8 p.m.
- Saturday, Aug. 8, from 9 to 11 a.m.
The second week includes sessions Monday and later in the week before a longer final class:
- Monday, Aug. 10, from 6 to 8 p.m.
- Wednesday, Aug. 12, from 6 to 8 p.m.
- Saturday, Aug. 15, from 9 a.m. to noon
The department says attendance at each session is important, suggesting that the instruction is designed to build from one class to the next. The city does not describe the program as a series of independent drop-in workshops.
A returning police program
Fight Like a Girl is not a new offering. Coral Gables police previously held the six-session course in November 2024, also asking participants to make every effort to attend the full series. The earlier program used a similar combination of weekday evening and Saturday morning classes.
The format gives participants more time to practice than a single introductory seminar would, although the current announcement does not specify which techniques officers will teach or whether the course includes classroom discussion, physical drills or simulated encounters.
Participants should ask before registering about the physical demands of the course, recommended clothing and whether any health limitations or prior injuries should be disclosed. The department’s announcement does not address those matters.
The city also has not stated whether equipment is provided, whether participants must live or work in Coral Gables, or whether minors may attend with parental consent.
How to register
Registration is available through Officer Natalie Flores at 305-733-0165 or nflores@coralgables.com. The city has not provided an online registration form or said how many spaces remain.
Because the first session is scheduled for Monday and the city is asking participants to attend all six classes, those interested should contact Flores before the program begins rather than assume walk-in admission will be available.
If you go…
Fight Like a Girl self-defense course
Monday, Aug. 3, through Saturday, Aug. 15
Coral Gables Police Department Community Meeting Room
2151 Salzedo St., Coral Gables
Six sessions; free
Registration: Officer Natalie Flores
305-733-0165
nflores@coralgables.com
