Fit and Fearless:

Face Aging with Confidence Through Adaptive Martial Arts, Balance Training, and Safe Falling Practice

Group of women practicing self-defense techniques, one woman lying on blue mats while others assist and observe.

What Is Fit & Fearless?

Falls are one of the leading causes of injury among older adults, and nearly 50% report being unable to get up from the floor without assistance — a limitation that can lead to serious complications. The fear of falling often results in reduced physical activity and social participation, which contributes to a decline in strength, reaction time, and the ability to recover from balance losses — all of which increase the risk of future falls.

Fit & Fearless is an innovative, evidence-informed program that blends functional fitness, balance training, and martial arts–based fall strategies to help older adults stay strong, steady, and independent. Co-taught by Muay Thai coach Dave Lyons and Physical Therapist Dr. Katie Wadland, PT, DPT, Board-Certified Geriatric Clinical Specialist, this class is designed for older adults, individuals with Parkinson’s disease and other balance-related disorders, to help participants build confidence and resilience by improving strength, balance, reaction time, and through practice of safe falling skills.

Ready to Get Fit & Fearless?

We offer three ways to participate in Fit & Fearless, so you can build confidence and fall-prevention skills at your own pace. All participants must begin with either a private session or the beginner course before progressing to our group class. All classes require prior registration and are held at the Defensive Edge Martial Arts Studio, 18 Del Carmine Street, in Wakefield, Massachusetts.

1:1 Intensive

A personalized 90-minute session with a physical therapist and martial arts coach focused on fall risk assessment, safe floor recovery, and breakfall techniques. Ideal for those who need individual attention or aren’t ready for group participation.
Cost: $250

Schedule: By appointment

Registration: Fit and Fearless 1:1 Intensive Registration

Foundations Course:

This small-group beginner course (10 participants) helps participants builds strength and balance, and learn the core components of safe falling techniques, over the course of four weekly sessions. This course prepares you to safely land, and recover from, from backward, forward, and lateral falls. Please be aware that sessions are progressive and participants are expected to attend all four weeks and there are no make up classes available.

Cost: $120

Schedule: Tuesdays, 1:30–2:30 PM (New sessions run each month - Registration for July and August 2025 Sessions is OPEN NOW!)

Registration: Fit and Fearless Foundations Course Registration

Skills and Drills Ongoing Group Class:

Designed for graduates of the 1:1 Intensive or Foundations course, this weekly drop-in class improves strength, balance and mobility while reinforcing safe falling and floor recovery skills to keep participants fit and fearless with ongoing martial arts–inspired balance training.

Cost: $30/Class Drop in-rate or $250 for a 10-Pack

Schedule: Tuesdays, 2:30–3:30 PM (Weekly sessions, rolling enrollment)

Registration: Fit and Fearless Skills and Drills Group Class Registration

Got Some Questions?

We’ve got answers. Use this form to your submit questions below and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible!

Man demonstrating a martial arts move on a mat, with seated spectators in the background.
A group of people in a gym setting with mats, punching bags, and various equipment. Some individuals are sitting on chairs along the side observing, while others are on the mats, with one person sitting on the ground and another standing and speaking
People in a gym participating in a self-defense class, using blue mats and punching bags, with onlookers seated. Adaptive devices and mannequins are visible in the background.
Group of women participating in a fitness or therapy class at a gym, with one woman sitting on a mat and others assisting her. In the background, a boxing ring and workout equipment are visible.
A woman wearing a mask engaged in a physical therapy session, assisted by three therapists, lying on a blue mat in a gym-like setting with exercise equipment in the background.
Group of people in gym setting practicing self-defense techniques on blue mats, with one person wearing a mask being supported by others.