Elizabeth Smart Foundation

10/07/2026

09/09/2026

Dolly would approve! 😉

Come train with us! University of Utah Public Safety and Smart Defense have teamed up to bring the community of the University of Utah our full Smart Defense training! This is open to the public and starting this week. A few spots left! Please share with anyone who might be interested. Registration can be found www.elizabethsmartfoundation.org

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09/03/2026

Smart Defense course begins Sept. 10
UNIVERSITY OF UTAH DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
A new, five-week Smart Defense course will be offered by the University of Utah Public Safety Department in partnership with The Elizabeth Smart Foundation, to help participants learn techniques and practical skills to defend themselves, create space and escape a dangerous situation.

Classes run each Thursday from 6-8 p.m. from Sept. 10-Oct. 8.

Smart Defense teaches more than just physical combat skills, it’s a female-led program that’s trauma-informed and designed to help people feel more aware, prepared and confident.

Class participants will learn how to:

Recognize red flags and unsafe situations
Set and enforce personal boundaries
Use practical techniques to defend yourself
Create space and escape an attacker
The course will be taught by Miyo Strong (), a black belt in Jiu Jitsu and the program director for The Elizabeth Smart Foundation where she leads the self-defense program, Smart Defense. She is trauma-informed trained through UCASA.

The 5-week class is $30 and will be held at:

University of Utah Department of Public Safety
1658 E. 500 S.
SLC, Utah 84112

Registration is open through Sept. 10 or when the course if filled. Register here.

08/27/2026

“I first heard about Smart Defense Smart Defense from my good friends at Crown BJJ. My time spent doing Jiu-Jitsu and Muay Thai were a wonderful start to learning how to protect myself not just physically, but mentally and emotionally as well. With that being said, I needed and wanted more. And doing just this one course of self defense felt like I was able to take those skills to a whole new level. The coaches are beyond kind, respectful, loving, and accepting. The women in my group were just the same - so easy to get along with, so supportive and encouraging, and so relatable (even with vastly different backgrounds that we each had). All different shapes, sizes, ages, heights, races, and everything else in between. We all came together as one, and it was four of the most incredibly empowering evenings I’ve ever had, with some of the best people the world has to offer. Joining this class was genuinely one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. They absolutely go at your pace, they teach you incredibly useful skills (not just how to defend yourself physically), they help you find balance, confidence, and courage - it’s an environment of come as you are, and leave as a superior version of YOU. A version of you that feels like you can conquer the world. I am so thankful for these experiences and will absolutely continue to take these courses for the rest of my life! Thank you endlessly to Miyo, Justin, Dave, Marci, Elizabeth, and everyone else who makes this resource possible! I am forever grateful. 💕” -Kim SD graduate 2026

08/03/2026

📣 Utah County! 📣

Registration is live now for our Smart Defense classes in Provo. Ages 10 and up. No experience needed. Trauma informed, female lead holistic approach to safety. No better time than now to train!

07/27/2026

College students should be worried about exams, labs and getting their degrees - not sexual assault.

R*pe is the most prevalent - and the most violent - crime on college campuses.

You deserve to know how to protect yourself. Register for Smart Defense course today and arm yourself with the power to fight back.

Sign up link in bio. Classes close to the U of U as well as close to UVU and BYU

07/20/2026

Don’t miss out on our Logan Kids Camp! Check out our website for more information to learn more! Let’s finish summer STRONG!💪

07/18/2026

✨ Give Your Child the Confidence to Stay Safe! ✨

Join us for Smart Defense for Kids Camp in Salt Lake City, presented by The Elizabeth Smart Foundation.

This fun, interactive camp is designed for kids ages 5–10 and teaches more than self-defense—it helps children build confidence, set healthy boundaries, use their voice, recognize unsafe situations, and identify trusted adults in a positive, age-appropriate environment. Through games, movement, and practical skills, kids learn how to protect themselves while having an incredible time!

Register now! Visit www.elizabethsmartfoundation.org

05/18/2026

Join us for a free event and this Thursday from 5-7pm
Hear from Coach Mac and Elizabeth, learn about our programs for men and boys and enjoy light refreshments! Education, healing and advocacy is possible. Prevention programming is rare and we are proud to partner with to create tangible change in our communities. See you Thursday!

05/07/2026

✨ GIVEAWAY TIME ✨
We’re so excited to gift ONE lucky winner + a guest an unforgettable evening at the Elizabeth Smart Foundation Garden Party 🌸

The winner will receive:
💐 TWO VIP tickets to the Garden Party
🛍️ TWO exclusive swag bags valued at over $500
✨ A beautiful night supporting an incredible cause!

All the details can be found above! Happy tagging!