About Guerrera Self Defense
About Guerrera
About Guerrera
DESCRIPTION
The idea behind Guerrera's creation is simple: women and femmes deserve to feel confident, strong, and powerful in their bodies. They deserve to take up space, to be aggressive, to know that they are worth fighting for.
At the same time, women are socialized to do the opposite - to make ourselves small, to apologize unnecessarily, to avoid aggression and confrontation at all costs. Countering those forces requires training. We sought out to provide it through intentional self defense, striking, and grappling programs.
Guerrera is about expressing physical and intellectual power. Guerrera is about fighting back against sexism, objectification, and gender-based violence. Guerrera is about celebrating physical and intellectual feminism in community.
We are proud to be trauma-informed, woman-led, and accessible to beginners.
The best part about Guerrera is the community. We hope you will be a part of it.
GUERRERA FEATURES SEVERAL PROGRAMS:
Self Defense Intensive For Women and Femmes (offered 6 times a year in Washington, DC and in Asheville)
Friday, 8pm-9pm: Welcome Party and Introductions
Saturday, 8am-10am: Striking
Saturday, 12:30pm-2:30pm: Ground Work
Saturday, 3-5pm: Wrestling
Sunday 10am-12pm: Verbal Advocacy and Deescalation
Sunday 1pm-3pm: Self Defense Scenarios
The Self Defense Intensive for Women and Femmes provides an introduction to self defense. Participants can expect to build a strong foundation in striking, ground work, de-escalation and aggression, and a few self defense scenarios. This program is highly encouraged for beginners.
GUERRERA SYMBOLISM
1. Why the name "Guerrera?"
"Guerrera" is the feminine version of the spanish word for warrior. Unfortunately "Guerrero," "Guerrera's" masculine equivalent, is considered the standard for the word. As we work to create space for feminine aggression, we too, look to create a world in which the first image you think of when you hear the word "warrior" is a woman.
2. Why a monkey?
It's not a monkey. It's a bonobo.
Bonobos are a type of Ape found in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. They live in matriarchal societies. While the female bonobos recognize that they are not as strong as their male counterparts, they bond together to maintain power and protect each other.
3. What is a femme?
The word “femme” has many definitions that have changed over time. We interpret femme as a person of any gender identity that presents, embodies, or has a lived experience with socialized femininity. We invite and encourage cis, gender non-conforming, and trans women/femmes to become a part of the Guerrera community.
Instructor Bio
Colleen is the founder of Guerrera Fit, a personal trainer, group fitness instructor, athlete, self defense expert, and martial artist. She has over 10 years experience as a fitness professional, working to help people feel strong, confident, and powerful in their bodies. In addition to Guerrera Fit, Colleen is the founder of Guerrera Fight Club, a martial arts community for women and femmes.
Colleen trains and competes in boxing, kickboxing, and jiu jitsu. She is a black belt in Fit to Fight Defensive Options and a purple belt in 10th Planet Jiu Jitsu. She is the 2019 Finishers Open Champion at the Expert Level, the 2019 ONNIT Open Champion at the Expert level. She is 1-0 in amateur kickboxing and earned Fight of the Night in her amateur debut. In addition to martial arts, Colleen is an accomplished endurance athlete, having completed several triathlons, two marathons, and a cross-country cycling tour.
Colleen takes a functionally focused, body positive approach to training. She emphasizes what your body is capable of, rather than what it looks like. She is a published author in the Journal of Clinical Sport Psychology on research she conducted with the Northwestern University Body and Media Lab on how fitness professionals influence the body satisfaction of their participants.
Certifications and Education
Fit To Fight Certified Instructor up to Black Belt Level (2019)
10th Planet Jiu Jitsu Purple Belt (2019)
Fit To Fight Defensive Options Black Belt (2019)
NASM Personal Training (2021)
Fitness Instructors Training Program, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill - 4.0/4.0 (2010)
Personal Trainer Training Program, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill - 4.0/4.0 (2012)
AFAA Group Fitness (2012-2016)
AFAA Personal Training (2012-2016)
Contact Colleen
Testimonials
“I’ve been training with Colleen for over a year now in both group classes and private sessions. She has inspired my fitness journey in so many ways, both by leading by example in terms of what women can do to get healthy and become stronger, but she’s also fantastic at knowing how and when to support. Many coaches have one style (hands off, tough love, helicoptering), but Colleen has a phenomenal skill at being able to read a client and adjust. She can sense the days you need positivity, and the times you just need to be yelled at to get going. That is rare in coaches and trainers, and I think it’s because she loves what she does so much, and more importantly, she truly cares about the success and happiness of everyone she trains. I would not be where I am a year later - orange belt in Krav, 20 pounds down, healthier and happier than I’ve ever been - but for her training, coaching, and support. I cannot recommend her enough.”
- Amanda
“I have worked with Colleen for 2 years and in that time I have seen her work with a variety of clients across all ages and skill levels. Colleen’s knowledge and dedication to her clients success is first class. She is able to push her clients to past their self-imposed barriers so they can truly improve their health, wellness, self-image, and confidence.
Colleen is able to weave many aspects of health into her teachings, ranging from strength, cardiovascular conditioning, flexibility, and self-defense to nutrition and mental health in a motivational way that shows that she truly cares about her clients as people.”
- Sam
“I have trained with Colleen since 2018, and she is one of the best trainers I have ever had. I was a student-athlete at Dartmouth College and had access to a great training staff there, but Colleen stands out. She is able to adapt her teaching in both fitness and martial arts to all skill and experience levels, simultaneously, without compromising the quality of the class for anyone. I have trained with Colleen through several injuries and she has always provided adaptations that still challenged me and met the intent of the workout. She has also done an incredible job shifting to remote training--I did not think it would be possible for anyone to generate so much challenge and variety for remote clients with varied and limited equipment, but Colleen has done so for six months. I’ve not only gotten stronger, but have learned from Colleen how to design workouts and tailor them toward my goals. Beyond that, Colleen has inspired a community of people to join together in fitness--and that’s something I’ve definitely never experienced elsewhere.”
- Emily
“I have known Colleen Daly for two years as a fitness trainer. Without exaggeration, Colleen has been the single most impactful trainer I have had the pleasure of working with. Her proven ability in crafting comprehensive exercise programs that are simultaneously engaging and challenging is grounded in her physical fitness expertise and willingness to listen, answer questions and understand, and curate routines that target co-created fitness goals. But perhaps what stands out most about Colleen as a trainer is her unparalleled commitment to helping her students achieve their own health and fitness goals; she has not only supported me in the gym by improving my strength, cardio, and flexibility; but she has pushed me to reach further in my own goals of physical and mental wellbeing through consistent, committed exercise engagement. Prior to meeting Colleen, I felt embarrassed about my fitness level and training in front of others. Through her unwavering support and applied expertise in tailored physical fitness curriculum development, I am not only confident in my abilities but have surpassed my expectations in what I can achieve. Because of Colleen, I can now complete 30 pull-ups each day, complete at-home guided workouts lifting three times the weight that I began at, and have the endurance to complete a marathon, and, because of Colleen, I know that I will continue to increase my fitness in the years to come.”
- Victoria
“I’ve trained with Colleen for about 4 years. During that time, I’ve had the opportunity to watch her coach people across all levels of fitness. Whether it’s a person who is new to exercise and is trying to do their first pull-up or push-up, or whether it’s a seasoned athlete looking to further sharpen their skills, Colleen is able to take a person’s starting point into account and figure out a way to move them closer to their end point. She is creative in her approach and passionate about helping people achieve their goals. That passion is contagious, and I’ve seen her transform the way people exercise and think about fitness. On a personal note, Colleen helped me to prepare for a difficult self-defense test that few people in the country pass each year. She was able to identify the areas where I needed most work, figure out the most efficient methods to improve, and developed a plan that helped me achieve one of my most important goals.”
- Gonzalo
“I am passionate about fitness and regularly participate in fitness classes. I have been taking fitness classes with Colleen for over 4 years now, and she is one of the best instructors I have ever had. I look forward to every one of her classes because I always leave feeling stronger, energized, and happy. As a teacher, I appreciate how intentional Colleen is about programming. Her classes use a variety of formats and equipment. They provide a great balance of cardio, strength, and power exercises. What makes the experience even more enjoyable is Colleen‘s enthusiasm and sense of humor. She makes sure her students laugh and smile, even as we’re drenched in sweat! Her classes are always full of people in all stages of their fitness journeys, and she makes everyone feel welcome. She is great at encouraging her students in a way that is motivating, but never frustrating or discouraging. She is vigilant about correcting form and able to modify exercises for all ability levels, while still challenging those who need it. She always makes it a point to know and say everyone’s name, and her students always leave her class feeling happier and stronger than when they started. I believe her ability to inspire and encourage others is a true gift, and it is a pleasure to be able to take her classes. I have also taken some self-defense classes with Colleen. She is a fierce advocate for empowering women and as a survivor of a violent crime and sexual assault, I am grateful for her presence in my life. Her strength (in every sense of the word) is an inspiration. She fights hard in the ring and helps others find the fight in themselves.”
- N
“I’ve been training with Colleen for three years now, I started off knowing nothing about fitness and martial arts - truly walked in as a beginner. Colleen was not only extremely welcoming, but she made me excited about working out in a way I’d never been before. She also made me feel safe in a space that’s typically dominated by men, like I could learn and fail and try again without being triggered by trauma and feeling empowered in my body and my ability to keep myself safe. She makes a strong community of every space she’s in, where people become friends and support and encourage each other. All of these qualities are what keep me coming back. Colleen is also incredibly knowledgeable about MMA and fitness. In the time I’ve known her she’s attended several seminars and trainings taught by experts to expand her understanding and become a better teacher. Her expertise is informed by multiple perspectives and years of training. Colleen is a fun and challenging teacher, it’s been incredible working with her.”
- Danielle
“Colleen is an amazing coach, mentor, and friend! The first time I ever took a class with Colleen, she was quick introduce herself and make me feel exceptionally welcomed. It was my first martial arts class, and Colleen made the material accessible while still pushing me to challenge myself. In the two years since that I’ve been training with Colleen, she has gone above and beyond to provide superior coaching, tailored fitness programming, and nutritional advice for meeting my goals. There is no one that I trust more to help me meet my goals safely and effectively, and I could not recommend her more highly as a fitness professional.”
- Gabriela
“Colleen is one of the best people I know and the true crux of my fitness journey throughout college. Colleen taught several classes during that time, including HIIT and kickboxing...Colleen’s class was structured in such a way that she really wanted people to listen to their bodies, to modify when needed, to never push themselves to the point of injury. She provided guidance on how to do that while still keeping the class engaging for the entire hour she was teaching. Throughout her classes, I learned so much about what my body was capable of. She is an incredible instructor, but more than that, she is an incredibly strong person. Her strong will and her passion for people living their best life is what makes her the incredible person that she is, which translates to being an amazing fitness instructor.”
- Katelyn
“I had the pleasure of training with Colleen a few years ago, and she really helped me grow and gain confidence in my boxing skills. Not only did her training challenge me physically, but she helped me learn that I was stronger than I thought I was. She was always encouraging and created such a welcoming and judgment-free environment that I was always eager to go back to her classes. I highly recommend her as a trainer, and I wish that there were more trainers out there with a similar approach!”
- Kaye
“Colleen is far and away the best instructor I’ve ever had (I lovingly call her my coach). I kept going to Mint despite other gyms being cheaper and closer in large part due to Colleen. In class, her close attention made each of us feel like we were in our own personal training session. I reached fitness goals I didn’t even know I was reaching for, and Colleen helped me set real goals based on my performance and lifestyle. No matter how bad my day is, after a class with Colleen, it is always better.”
- Jordan
“Colleen is one of my best friends so I am admittedly biased in this review. Colleen also happens to be one of the reasons I have come so far as an athlete and a fighter compared to where I started three years ago. I've never met a fitness professional more invested in their clients or more passionate about their growth and success. She is an absolute gem and I would strongly encourage anyone to train with her, as long as they are willing to put in some work!"
- Emily
“I had the pleasure of meeting Colleen Daly when trying to find a gym that would increase my martial arts skills. As an instructor, Colleen goes above and beyond teaching a physical skill. She always provides a thorough rationale for the moves she teaches, and speaks of martial arts with such passion and precision that all of her clients leave tired and inspired in equal measure. Her lessons are so thorough that I was able to jump back into rolling the moment gyms opened after COVID closures with high levels of confidence. She is the best instructor I have ever trained under, and her natural talent and drive to help others will ensure that she sees success in any context.”
- Molly
“My time working with Colleen I have seen dedication, determination, and kindness in the way she works with people. She brings a unique, human quality to her teaching and mentoring that draws people in. She pushes people to be their best in a compassionate manner. She is a wonderful and reliable woman who gives her all with passion, and consideration. I highly recommend that you add her to your team, as she is a fierce, loyal, and uplifting team mate and mentor.”
- Catharine
“My first fitness class was a HIIT class at the local gym. I signed up because it was billed as a class for all levels of fitness. I was nervous and wasn’t sure if I would be able to do it. Luckily Colleen was the instructor. She helped me modify the exercises and encouraged me. Almost two years later I’m still feeling that encouragement. I would not be where I am today without Colleen’s support and training. I’m the fittest and healthiest I’ve ever been.”
- Tim
“Colleen is the best coach and trainer I have had the pleasure of learning from. Her knowledge, passion, and enthusiasm all shine through in her work. She fosters an environment that encourages growth and improvement, while encouraging body-positivity and a focus on functional fitness - fitness that actually helps you do things - rather than just fitness for the sake of looks. She knows how to design workouts that hit major muscle groups but focus on each of them as part of the larger whole, rather than just in isolation.
My experience training with Colleen has shown me that she cares about helping her clients meet their goals, while pushing them to (safely) step beyond what they think they’re capable of. Her workouts are both effective and enjoyable, and I always leave feeling like I was challenged but also accomplished something. Her enthusiasm has been incredibly motivational, and has made me eager to push myself harder and continue to get stronger.”
- Megan
“I’ve been taking classes with Colleen for a little over a year now and I could not recommend her enough! Colleen is passionate about self defense and a phenomenal instructor. She is motivating, engaging and pushes you to be your very best. Colleen’s classes are great for all levels of fitness and she provides clear instructions, personalized feedback throughout the class and develops challenging new lesson plans so you never know what to expect (in a good way!).”
- Hannah
“Colleen is the kind of fierce trainer that will push you to accomplish feats beyond what you thought you were capable of. She is an incredibly talented coach and mentor - not only is she a super expert in her discipline(s) and an unflappable leader who immediately commands attention and respect of people around her, she also seems to have all the answers regarding technique - and what is going to work best for an individual in the context of their body/fitness journey. She has an innate talent for keeping everything and everyone on-task, pushing her students and cultivating intensity among her trainees while also making everyone feel supported, cared for and safe. All of this is illustrated by the strong communities she seems to build wherever she goes - from N-Flux to Guerrera. She makes everyone better.”
- Kate
“I cannot recommend Colleen more emphatically. Colleen is an invaluable and incomparable instructor, trainer, motivator, and member of her community.
In my years as a bootcamp student at the Mint Gym, where Colleen was an instructor, I have never encountered anyone with her aptitude, dedication, and ability to transform even the hardest of workouts into an approachable and uplifting experience. Colleen takes the time to connect with her students, is attentive to modifications, is never loathe to repeat herself or demonstrate again, and is encouraging while respecting individual boundaries. Colleen approaches her workouts with a sense of mission and humor, and her desire to help students push their boundaries and become stronger both physically and mentally radiates from her work. I have consistently seen students start her class clearly uncertain if they were up to the challenge, and walk out smiling and glistening - I have often been one myself.
By adding Colleen to your fitness community, you would gain a remarkable talent.”
- Kristina
