S.A.G.E. Holistic Health and Wellness Center

Self Defense Training

sage-self-defense-program

About the Training

Our Self Defense courses are customized for marginalized populations seeking to strengthen their foundational safety in the world. We have provided training to helpers and healers (i.e. therapists, nurses, doctors, massage therapists, reiki practitioners, and similar professions) as well as young girls, teens, college age girls, LGBTQIA+ populations, older adults, and everyone has said they wished they took this course sooner.

At S.A.G.E., we believe that feeling safe in your body and in your surroundings is everyone’s birthright. We aim to specifically support and guide those who have been in marginalized populations to equip them with the tools and experience they need to face the growing challenges that arise in our society.

This course provides practical training on awareness skills, relevant self defense laws, physical skills, the use of practical self defense tools, and more. At the end of this training, you will feel more confident and rightfully empowered, allowing you to live life with less fear and limitations. The goal of this course is to teach confidence in safety skills.

What You Will Get Out Of This Program:

  • Learn crime statistics
  • Understanding Self Defense vs Martial arts
  • Self Defense and California State Law
  • SMART BET (our philosophy and training principles)
  • Strengthen your situational awareness
  • How to identify criminal behavior and threats
  • When to act to protect yourself and when to retreat from the situation
  • Articulation to police and in court after an incident has occurred
  • Self defense tools trainings and physical techniques

Meet Your Instructor

Course instructor, Joseph Celis, is a former law enforcement officer, Professor of Kinesiology, and has taught Self Defense classes and Martial Arts for over 30 years. 

He is a helper and healer himself and combines his knowledge and experience with an effective teaching method and approach that will leave you feeling empowered and confident in your safety. His experience serving the community as a Law Enforcement Officer has given him a unique opportunity to learn about criminal behavior and victim mentality.

Class Details:

  • Courses are 7.5 hour, day long, in-person group classes
  • Location: 2050 N Tustin Ave Santa Ana, CA 92780
  • Cost: $199 (student discounts available)
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**Private Trainings/Presentations: Joseph Celis is also available for private trainings for your group practice, medical staff, college cohort, school classroom, Girl Scout Troop, any marginalized group, etc.

For more information on private training, please email us info@sagewellnessctr.org

Looking forward to level 2!

Alyson P.

“Taking the Self Defense For Clinical Therapist Level 1 Course was a game changer for me! Joe and Emily were both warm and professional. Joe was easy to connect with, and provided essential information to be aware and knowledgeable about how to stay safe. The tools and education taken away was understandable, and applicable in everyday life. Looking forward to level 2!”

I recommend this course highly

Marie L.

“I took level one course, and it was so informative! Joe is a great teacher, and has a lot of information to share from being a former police officer. There is information, scenarios and hands-on training that you get to participate in that is great for learning how to protect yourself. I recommend this course highly for anyone and everyone. Look forward to the second level course!”

I will be bringing my family to the next class

Sadaf

“You never think things can actually happen to you or your family but the statistics show otherwise. I feel more prepared, equipped and knowledgeable after this class, and will be bringing my family to the next class”

I feel safe and more confident

Mary

“Joseph Celis is a knowledgeable and professional instructor. He made the material understandable, and the tactical practice was very empowering. I feel safe and more confident now! Thank you!

Fantastic Class

Abbey

“This was a fantastic class. Extremely helpful information to stay safe as a therapist. I feel more confident and skilled in protecting myself in dangerous situations”

Wondering how it all works?

Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to Common Questions About Our Services

Absolutely. You don’t need to hit rock bottom to benefit from support. Many of our clients come in feeling “stuck,” overwhelmed, or just wanting a safe space to process life. If you’re curious — that’s enough.

We combine evidence-based therapy with holistic support like Reiki, spiritual care, and community education. As a nonprofit, we focus on healing — not hustling. You’re not just a number here.

Our holistic therapists are trained to hold space for you no matter where you fall on the spectrum of religion or spirituality – or absence of it. We have worked with a large number of folx who are recovering from spiritual abuse, religious trauma or who are having a faith crisis, but that doesn’t mean we have to even talk about spirituality/religion at all during your therapy sessions. If it’s important to you, we create the space for you to explore it in our work together.

It means we treat you as a whole person — not just a diagnosis. We look at mental health, emotional wellbeing, nervous system support, and a variety of other holistic approaches including consulting with your other holistic professional team members if you desire.

We currently accept insurance from:

Aetna
Anthem Blue Cross
Blue Shield
Cigna
Kaiser
Optum / United Healthcare

We’re committed to making care accessible. Our nonprofit model allows us to offer affordable session rates and sliding scale availability when possible.

We’ll help you match based on your needs, goals, and preferences. Our free 15-minute consult is designed to help you find the right fit — no pressure, no awkward guesswork.

Yes. That’s why we offer a free consult — a short, no-pressure call to ask questions and explore next steps together.

Our team works with anxiety, trauma, grief, identity shifts, burnout, relationship challenges, faith transitions, and more. You’re welcome here — whatever you’re facing.

Absolutely. We are a safe, affirming, and supportive space for LGBTQIA+ individuals and families.

Yes, we offer online sessions for clients across California. You can receive care from the comfort and privacy of your own space.

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