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ANNI

DAYAN

About Me
Contact Me

If you asked me what I do, I’d simply say this: I take care of people.

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From a young age, service has been at the heart of everything I do. I spent 40 years in real estate -starting at just 14, working alongside my dad. I fell in love with helping people find a place to call home, and built a career around connection, care, and trust.

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But life led me down new paths, too.

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Fifteen years ago, after testing BRCA positive and losing my mom to ovarian cancer at just 55, I chose to undergo a double mastectomy and oophorectomy. That experience changed everything. It thrust me into medical menopause and opened my eyes to the health challenges so many women quietly face. It also ignited a new purpose in me: to help women navigate their health with strength, knowledge, and support.

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About 5 years ago, I became a Sound Practitioner, further deepening my desire to support others on their healing journeys. Each month, I host Sound Baths alongside two of my dear friends, offering a peaceful space for healing, relaxation, and self-care.

 

In addition, the last 6 years, I’ve dedicated myself to empowering women - through wellness, education, and movement. I teach women’s self-defense and volunteer as a kids’ coach at Gracie Barra Encinitas.. When I started training there were about 5 women on the mats, today we are over 80+ women and growing.  In 2024, I officially retired from real estate to focus fully on this next chapter.

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At my core, I believe in community. I believe in strength—not just physical, but emotional, mental, and collective. And I believe that when women are empowered, everything changes - for their families, their communities, and the world.

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Let’s Connect!
If you’re ready to start your journey toward empowerment, wellness, or self-defense, I’d love to hear from you. 

Women's Self-Defense at Gracie Barra Encinitas

Confidence. Strength. Community.
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When I began my own self-defense journey, I was simply a student wanting to feel safer, more confident, and more capable in my everyday life. What I quickly discovered was a powerful need within our community: women deserve access to practical, street-specific self-defense training—taught in an environment that feels safe, supportive, and empowering.
That realization is what inspired the Women’s Self-Defense program at Gracie Barra Encinitas. Our classes focus on real-life scenarios and proven techniques designed to work when size and strength aren’t on your side. Here, you’ll build confidence, develop practical skills, and become part of a strong, supportive community of women training together.
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Why Our Program Works

Did you know that most real-life altercations end up on the ground? It’s a reality many self-defense classes don’t address—what happens after the first strike.
Our program is designed to gently guide women through those moments, helping you feel calm, capable, and confident in the positions that can feel the most vulnerable - especially if you’re taken to the ground by a larger opponent.
At Gracie Barra Encinitas, you’ll learn practical, real-world techniques that truly work against stronger opponents. Using leverage, awareness, and smart movement—not brute strength - you’ll build the skills to protect yourself, regain control, and get to safety, all within a supportive and empowering environment.
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More Than Self-Defense

This is more than a class—it’s a community.
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When I first began training, there were just 4–6 women on the mats. Today, our community has grown to over 80 strong and continues to expand. That growth is a powerful reminder that women want and need this kind of training - and that when we support one another, we rise together.
In our Women’s Self-Defense program, you’ll gain:
  • Practical, effective self-defense skills for real-world situations
  • Confidence in your ability to protect yourself and stay calm under pressure
  • Strength - physically, mentally, and emotionally
  • A supportive, welcoming community of women who train and grow together
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A Safe Space to Grow

We’ve intentionally created a space where women of all ages and experience levels feel safe, welcomed, and truly supported. Whether you’re stepping onto the mats for the very first time or ready to deepen your skills, this program is designed to meet you exactly where you are - and help you grow with confidence.
As Gracie Barra celebrates 20 years in the Encinitas community, we’re proud to continue our commitment to empowering women through Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and real-world self-defense. This is your invitation to train, connect, and become part of something strong, lasting, and life-changing.
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Ready to Take the First Step?

Join our growing community of strong, empowered women.
Try a class today—your first one is on us.
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