Empowered Defense

Empowered Defense was founded in 2016 by Melissa Bauguss to teach practical self-defense skills to anyone—martial artist or not. What started as one instructor has expanded into a full program serving Raleigh, Durham, Cary, Apex, and surrounding areas, with classes coming soon to Chapel Hill.

Melissa holds credentials that actually matter: - 5th Degree Black Belt in Sanshinkai Karate - 4th Degree Black Belt in Sanshinkai Jujitsu - 1st Degree Black Belt in Judo - 2nd Brown in Iaijutsu - Additional training in Krav Maga and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

She teaches adjunct courses at Meredith College (karate, self-defense, kickboxing) and runs the karate program at Carolina Country Club. This isn't someone selling a weekend certification—it's someone who's trained continuously since 2009.

Take Control Self-Defense (the foundation class) Learn how to not look like a target, read your surroundings, escape common grabs, and use basic techniques that work regardless of size or strength. No experience needed. Geared for teens and adults.

Warrior Fitness Martin arts-inspired conditioning that layers in self-defense work. Go at your own pace, all fitness levels welcome. One student with high cholesterol, high blood sugar, and high blood pressure saw normal blood work after 30 days of classes.

Specialized Seminars - Ground Defense and Effective Striking (jujitsu + judo combined) - Advanced Grip Breaking and Striking (escaping chokes and grabs from behind) - Joint Manipulation (arm bars and wrist locks for controlling bigger attackers) - Gun and Knife Defenses (de-escalation + physical techniques) - Kubaton and Stick Classes (using everyday items as defensive tools) - Iaido/Iaijutsu (Japanese sword art—bring your own bokken or borrow theirs)

Specific Groups They Work With: - Corporate teams (HR departments, team building) - Healthcare workers (nurses, doctors, medical staff) - Service industry (restaurant workers, flight attendants, real estate agents) - Students (high school, college, teens) - Survivors of abuse (supportive, judgment-free environment) - Girl Scouts and youth organizations - Travelers and people who work alone

Classes operate at multiple Karate International locations: - Raleigh (West Raleigh): 9101 Leesville Road, Suite 145 - Apex: 3424 Apex Peakway - Cary: Karate International location

"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.

"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." – Randall S.

Take Control was founded in 1985 by Kathy Olevsky (Mrs. O), an 8th Degree Black Belt who realized most self-defense instruction was designed for men. She spent years rebuilding the curriculum specifically for women—some techniques based on growing up with four brothers, some from her karate training, some from feedback from women who'd taken other self-defense classes. When Melissa took over as head instructor in 2016, she expanded the program to serve everyone while maintaining that core principle: techniques that work in the real world for real people.