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ANNI

DAYAN

About Me

If you asked me what I do, I’d simply say this: I take care of people.

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From a young age, service has been at the heart of everything I do. I spent 40 years in real estate, starting at just 14 alongside my Dad. I loved helping people find a place to call home and building connections rooted in care and trust.

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And life led me down a different path.

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Fifteen years ago, after testing positive for the BRCA gene mutation and losing my mom to ovarian cancer at just 55, I chose to undergo a double mastectomy and oophorectomy. This life-changing experience opened my eyes to the health challenges women face and awakened a deeper purpose: helping women feel supported, empowered, and connected to their well-being.

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About five years ago, I became a Sound Practitioner. Today, I host monthly Sound Baths with two dear friends, creating space to slow down, quiet the mind, and reconnect with ourselves.

For the past six years, I’ve also dedicated myself to empowering women through wellness, movement, and self-defense. I teach women’s self-defense and volunteer as a kids’ coach at Gracie Barra Encinitas. What began as a community of just 5 women on the mats has grown to 80 women and continues to grow. In 2024, I retired from real estate to embrace this next chapter fully.

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At my core, I believe in the power of community, the wisdom of the body, and the energy that connects us all. My passion is creating spaces where women can feel safe, find balance, discover their strength, and reconnect with themselves and one another.

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I believe we are all on a journey of growth and healing, and sometimes the most beautiful thing we can do is create space for one another to simply be, breathe, and become.

Contact Me

Women's Self-Defense at Gracie Barra Encinitas

Confidence. Strength. Community.
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When I began my own self-defense journey, I was simply a student wanting to feel safer, more confident, and more capable in my everyday life. What I quickly discovered was a powerful need within our community: women deserve access to practical, street-specific self-defense training—taught in an environment that feels safe, supportive, and empowering.
That realization is what inspired the Women’s Self-Defense program at Gracie Barra Encinitas. Our classes focus on real-life scenarios and proven techniques designed to work when size and strength aren’t on your side. Here, you’ll build confidence, develop practical skills, and become part of a strong, supportive community of women training together.
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Why Our Program Works

Did you know that most real-life altercations end up on the ground? It’s a reality many self-defense classes don’t address—what happens after the first strike.
Our program is designed to gently guide women through those moments, helping you feel calm, capable, and confident in the positions that can feel the most vulnerable - especially if you’re taken to the ground by a larger opponent.
At Gracie Barra Encinitas, you’ll learn practical, real-world techniques that truly work against stronger opponents. Using leverage, awareness, and smart movement—not brute strength - you’ll build the skills to protect yourself, regain control, and get to safety, all within a supportive and empowering environment.
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More Than Self-Defense

This is more than a class—it’s a community.
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When I first began training, there were just 4–6 women on the mats. Today, our community has grown to over 80 strong and continues to expand. That growth is a powerful reminder that women want and need this kind of training - and that when we support one another, we rise together.
In our Women’s Self-Defense program, you’ll gain:
  • Practical, effective self-defense skills for real-world situations
  • Confidence in your ability to protect yourself and stay calm under pressure
  • Strength - physically, mentally, and emotionally
  • A supportive, welcoming community of women who train and grow together
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A Safe Space to Grow

We’ve intentionally created a space where women of all ages and experience levels feel safe, welcomed, and truly supported. Whether you’re stepping onto the mats for the very first time or ready to deepen your skills, this program is designed to meet you exactly where you are - and help you grow with confidence.
As Gracie Barra celebrates 20 years in the Encinitas community, we’re proud to continue our commitment to empowering women through Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and real-world self-defense. This is your invitation to train, connect, and become part of something strong, lasting, and life-changing.
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Ready to Take the First Step?

Join our growing community of strong, empowered women.
Try a class today—your first one is on us.
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