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About Anni

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.

 

Since then, 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, where I also train in jiu-jitsu. 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. Together, we can create a positive change in your life.

Women's Self-Defense at Gracie Barra Encinitas

Confidence. Strength. Community.
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When I first began training in self-defense, I was just a student looking to feel safer and stronger. What quickly became clear was the overwhelming need in our community for women to have access to street-specific self-defense training - taught in a safe, supportive, and empowering environment.
That’s why Gracie Barra Encinitas created a program for women - with real-life scenarios and techniques that work when size and strength aren't on your side.
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Why Our Program Works

Did you know that 95% of street altercations end up on the ground?
Most traditional self-defense classes don’t prepare you for what happens after the first strike. Our program focuses on helping women feel comfortable and capable in the most vulnerable and dangerous positions—especially when taken to the ground by a larger opponent.
At Gracie Barra Encinitas, we teach practical techniques that are effective against stronger opponents. You’ll learn how to stay calm, protect yourself, and get to safety using leverage, awareness, and confidence - not brute strength.
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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 started training, there were just 4-6 women in the studio. Today, we have 80+ strong and growing - a powerful reminder that women want and need this kind of training, and that when we support each other, we rise together.
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In our women’s self-defense program, you’ll gain:
  • Effective self-defense skills for real-world situations
  • Confidence in your ability to protect yourself
  • Strength - physically, mentally, and emotionally
  • A supportive, welcoming community of women
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A Safe Space to Grow

We’ve worked hard to create a space where women of all ages and experience levels feel safe, seen, and supported. Whether you’re new to martial arts or looking to deepen your skills, this program meets you where you are.
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As Gracie Barra celebrates 20 years in the Encinitas community, we continue to proudly support and empower women through Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and self-defense.
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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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