Five years ago, I walked into N-Flux, a Krav Maga gym in downtown DC, watched a woman take her brown belt test, and knew I wanted to do that. She was one of the instructors, and when I told her my goal, she replied, “Come every day and take all of the classes. I don’t care if you’re dying by the last. Take them all.”

So I did. I earned my Green Belt a couple years later and have been on the road to black ever since. While I can’t train six days a week anymore, the journey continues at my own pace.

N-Flux gave me more than just skills—it gave me friends, like my training partner and best friend, Tahira Dosani. Celebrating our five-year gym anniversary, we’re now the “OGs” showing newcomers the ropes. We’re like the old wranglers in a bunkhouse (I may have been watching too much Yellowstone 😆). Tahira’s boxing class the other morning had me quoting Danny Glover: “I’m too old for this.”

In DC, a city where everyone leads with “who do you work for,” N-Flux became a rare space where friendships grew before work identities came into play. This gym became my “framily,” a place to channel energy, learn self-defense, and gain a self-possession that’s empowered me both personally and professionally.

Through programs like Guerera Training, FireARMED, and Active Killer Training, N-Flux not only taught me valuable skills but also gave me a sense of security and confidence as a woman in a city where safety isn’t always a given.

During COVID, our community fought to keep N-Flux alive, and today, we’re in a bigger space on 1722 I Street. If you’re looking for a community, self-defense training, or a place to cultivate skills like assertiveness, safety, and respect, come join us.

To Tahira and the entire N-Flux fam, happy five-year anniversary! Thank you for all the sparring, both physical and mental. I’m a better person in countless ways for having you all in my life. 🙏🏻💜