Kambi Briggs punches the patriarchy with free self defense class
At four years old, Kambi Briggs felt a kick for combat sports and hasn’t looked back since. While she spends a good amount of time working as a manager at the Minor Theater, the majority of her free time is dedicated to teaching and practicing self defense. Recently, Briggs has been offering free weekly self defense classes at the Eureka gym Liberty Fitness, since last April.
“You don’t have to start self defense since you’re four to be good at it, starting now is better then starting never, even just looking stuff up online or just knowing your resources is an incredible and vital first step,” Briggs said.
Her mom and grandma wanted her to begin combat sports as a kid to ensure she felt empowered in her body.
“At the time I thought it was just to get me active, and growing up I feel like it was partially that, but I also partially feel like it to feel comfortable in my own skin, and for their own comfort to know that I would able to handle myself,” Briggs said.
Briggs has moved all over the place, from Arizona to Alaska to California, finding different hobbies to cling to with every fresh start. Briggs moved to Humboldt about 5 years ago. After she visited friends in the area for an event, she instantly fell in love with the town.
“Around this time of year every year, it reminds me why I moved here,” Briggs said.
Briggs pinpoints the moment she decided to become a self defense teacher when a coworker was jokingly making fighting movements. Briggs stepped in, showing them how to properly throw a punch. This small moment became a wake up call.
“My friend had commented, like, ‘wow, you make a really great teacher’, and I was like ‘you know what, I would,’” Briggs said.
Upset by the expensive resources in Humboldt, Briggs wanted to offer free resources for everyone, specifically for minority communities and women to have a safe space.
“I guess it’s partially out of spite that I offer my services for free, because everyone has a right, and should be able to experience something so awesome as building a community that you feel safe with, and building that self confidence, because truthfully, I don’t feel like there’s enough self confidence in the world,” Briggs said.
Briggs welcomes anyone to her classes, from older gentlemen, to younger kids. Briggs’ main audience is for marginalized groups that would highly benefit from the skills and protection these classes provide.
“I’d like to continue these classes as long as my body lets me,” Briggs said.
Chloe Nye, a fourth-year film major at Cal Poly Humboldt, is a co-worker of Briggs’ at the Minor Theater. Nye felt Briggs’ kind and supportive nature makes her the teacher she is.
“I think Kambi, both as a manager, and my friend, is one of the kindest friends ever,” Nye said. “She definitely is always there to talk and offer support if needed, and truly has everyone’s best interest in mind. I feel very grateful to be able to get to work together and also be able to call her a friend.”
Briggs is currently working on getting a mixed martial arts license so they can offer even more classes.
“I would love to get into teaching more kickboxing, and regular boxing, because while I absolutely love self defense, there are definitely restrictions in what I can and cannot teach, so I’d love to have an option to go beyond that, in a more lighthearted cardio way,” Briggs said.
Briggs has a simple reminder to keep in mind while learning self defense; don’t be afraid and be loud.
“I want people to take from these classes that, yes the entire world, especially these days, is terrifying, but that we don’t have to succumb to being scared,” Briggs said. “We don’t have to let ourselves roll over, we have our own autonomy in our hands, we have the ability to stand up and protect ourselves, and protect the people we love.”
To learn more about the classes or stay informed about future events, check the gym’s Instagram for newest updates @libertyfitnessboutique, or @_ClubAnti who also work in collaboration to host free self defense classes.
