Toughness is the force within us that allows us to persevere in the face of adversity. Whether it's setting healthy boundaries, following our intuition, mastering a new movement, keeping calm in a challenging sparring session, or escaping an assailant, toughness allows us to push beyond our perceived limitations.
Martial arts is more than a set of techniques; it is a mindset that begins with a belief that we are worth training and defending. This mindset is rooted in self love, respect and caring for ourselves and others. The love we have for ourselves pushes us to fight to reach our training and safety goals, but it also reminds us to treat ourselves and our training partners with compassion and care.
Martial arts is more than a set of techniques; it is a mindset that begins with a belief that we are worth training and defending. This mindset is rooted in self love, respect and caring for ourselves and others. The love we have for ourselves pushes us to fight to reach our training and safety goals, but it also reminds us to treat ourselves and our training partners with compassion and care.
Services
Tuff Love Fitness is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit providing accessible and affordable self-defense, martial arts, and fitness training for people in Oakland and the surrounding San Francisco Bay Area. We were founded by a team of four female martial artists with the goal of promoting martial arts for populations that may be underserved by many traditional martial arts programs: women, the LGBTQ+ and POC communities and assault survivors.
Mollii is the first Laotian female black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ) under 9x World Champion Leticia Ribeiro with 13 years of training in BJJ. She is the founder of the Sweaty Betties, one of the first groups in the country to offer free, weekly BJJ training to women. In 2010, she organized one of the largest women's grappling camps in the country featuring several World Champion instructors, drawing attendees from all over the world.
Your donation supports free self-defense, martial arts and fitness classes to underserved communities!. Fund a movement that is committed to challenging and ending violence against girls and women through martial arts. Help us get to our communities. We do work with low income, girls, women of color, LGBTQ, helping them get involved in self-defense, martial arts and fitness when they wouldn't otherwise have the means.
In 2017, a small group of female martial artists started Tuff Love Self-Defense (formerly known as "Women's and Girls Self-Defense") in Oakland, California because we wanted to develop programs that were accessible to women outside of the martial arts community. The foundation and content in our programs were based in martial arts principles, especially Brazillian jiu-jitsu.
Reviews (9)
Stefanie K.
Apr 26, 2017
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I took the intro to women's self defense class with Mollii and Josuke. In just three Saturdays I learned so much about how to carry myself in my everyday city life and how to take care of myself in scary situations. The teachers are patient and approachable, and everything is demonstrated and tried until it's gotten. The space, Guardian Gym, is lovely and well-lighted and convenient, and the class was actually fun despite talking about some terrifying stuff. I can honestly say that I left there much more empowered and knowledgable about how to move in the world.
Jennife M.
Feb 02, 2017
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I took the "intro to women's self defense class" for three Saturdays and loved it. The class offers expert instructors that give a well rounded description of self defense techniques and excellent opportunities for hands on practice. Molly and Josuke are amazing instructors. Not only do they explain the techniques very clearly but they model them, offer ample opportunities to practice these techniques, and are very patient with the students. I would highly recommend this class for anyone who is interested in a beginning self defense class. It is well worth the price for the information
Caleb K.
Oct 13, 2016
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I've had the pleasure of receiving some tough love from tuff and I must say:
Molli and Josuke are so well versed and balance workouts with power, strength, coordination, and mobility. Ginastica Natural has helped me loosen up my hips and shoulders (which I was in desperate need of. They know how to work with people who have been training competitively and also people who are just starting their fitness journey.
Can't wait till tomorrow to get some more Tuff Love in my life!!
Molli and Josuke are so well versed and balance workouts with power, strength, coordination, and mobility. Ginastica Natural has helped me loosen up my hips and shoulders (which I was in desperate need of. They know how to work with people who have been training competitively and also people who are just starting their fitness journey.
Can't wait till tomorrow to get some more Tuff Love in my life!!
Amy A.
Sep 25, 2016
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I rarely ever write reviews but this one So deserves it
Three things I'd like to emphasize in this review:
1. Mollii's impact on me personally as an individual who fell off the workout wagon long ago, believing that I'd never come back.
2. Ginastica Natural (Omg!!)
3. Ginastica helping me in my knee injury rehabilitation
1. I cannot emphasize enough how much Mollii has been such a fundamental part of my journey of getting back into shape after a long break into a heavily sedentary lifestyle. A break that was so devastating, that I truly wondered wether I would ever be that person
Three things I'd like to emphasize in this review:
1. Mollii's impact on me personally as an individual who fell off the workout wagon long ago, believing that I'd never come back.
2. Ginastica Natural (Omg!!)
3. Ginastica helping me in my knee injury rehabilitation
1. I cannot emphasize enough how much Mollii has been such a fundamental part of my journey of getting back into shape after a long break into a heavily sedentary lifestyle. A break that was so devastating, that I truly wondered wether I would ever be that person
Robert H.
Sep 06, 2016
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Mollii is ground zero for the best fitness work out. She is the best, and her work out is a real challenge. Her work out combines cardio and really different moves that require balance and strength...like nothing I have experienced before. Challenge yourself and take Mollii's class, you will only be glad that you made that decision.
June K.
Aug 28, 2016
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Jill D.
Aug 26, 2016
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Mollii's passion for and dedication to fitness is inspiring. She also happens to be mindful, funny, kind, and smart - all while being tough! I have worked out with Mollii for over 4 years now at offices, a gym, and various outdoor locations. Workouts with Mollii at Tuff Love Fitness are fun and as challenging as you are ready for.
You can have absolute confidence in her knowledge and training experience and expertise. You will be happy you jumped in and joined her classes or trainings at Tuff Love Fitness. I only wish my schedule allowed me to work out with her more often - I would be in
You can have absolute confidence in her knowledge and training experience and expertise. You will be happy you jumped in and joined her classes or trainings at Tuff Love Fitness. I only wish my schedule allowed me to work out with her more often - I would be in
L. A.
Aug 25, 2016
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I've exercised and trained with Mollii for nearly a decade and when I have been in a variety of shapes. She has always been my "go to" exercise guru for some fitness inspiration to get back into shape, help me stay in shape, and challenge me over and over again to reach more optimal fitness. Not only is Mollii tough and determined to make her students work hard, she incorporates a variety of modalities to keep the workouts interesting-- strength and conditioning, yoga, martial arts, and ginastica natural. No two workouts are quite the same but we know to expect a well rounded exercise
Catherine P.
Aug 23, 2016
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Mollii is the greatest! She will get you in shape but use a lot of less conventional techniques to get you there. There is a lot of emphasis on natural movements that will not only get you stronger and have more endurance but also more flexible. If you are looking to have fun and get in shape plus get a full body workout that will get you not only looking good but functionally better she's the one for you!
