Queer Fight Night
QFN is a low-barrier, consent-forward, opt-in, playful, accessible, inclusive space for everyone who wants to learn more about how to defend themselves and/or to engage with other martial artists.
It is completely volunteer-run, the $5 suggested donations gathered go to space rental, purchase of masks, and occasionally travel expenses for volunteer instructors based outside of Seattle.
Self Defense Training
The two-hour event consists of one hour of self-defense or martial arts training, followed by one hour of open mat/spar. QFN centers queer and trans experience by hosting exclusively queer and trans instructors.
Special Editions
Every 6 months or so, QFN will break with its normal programming and host a Special Edition such as Queer Olympics, Beauty Pageant Wrestling Competitions, Game Nights and other just-for-fun events that break up the more defense-focused regular classes.
Seattle Mainstay
Founded in October 2021, and hosted the first Saturdays of every month since summer 2022, this event invites everyone, regardless of identity, background, and experience level to participate.
QFN is a unique and refreshing space, and has become a mainstay of Seattle queer culture, offering a sober, consent-forward, covid conscious, consistent place for people to connect, learn and share skills, and be in community.
QFN has outgrown the 4 different spaces that have played host to it through its life. First held at a small art studio in South Seattle, QFN was originally only a group of friends meeting up to learn jiu-jitsu. The event moved to a jiu-jitsu gym on Capitol Hill, where it grew to a larger gathering, hosting over 20 people per event. Once it became clear that the space would not hold the growing group, the organizers found a kajukenbo school that rented their space to QFN until once again the event surpassed capacity, with over 40 people showing up consistently, peaking at 57 participants. At that point, it was moved to a jiu-jitsu space in Ballard where it is currently hosted.
Gathering Instructors
QFN seeks out both highly experienced and brand new instructors, cultivating confidence in community members who might not otherwise have a platform to teach, and offering them mentorship to prepare for their class.
In the 3 years since this event began, QFN has hosted 27+ different instructors, with backgrounds in jiu-jitsu, muay thai, kali, capoeira, wing chun, kajukenbo, aikido, karate, alternative self-defense, boxing, and more.
Instructors are mainly local to Seattle, but some have come from other cities in the Pacific Northwest including Portland, Bellingham, and Olympia. QFN offers travel stipends to those coming from outside the city. Many instructors are highly experienced, with high degree belts and decades of training, whereas some are new to instruction.
Want to teach a QFN??
Reach out with your ideas and we can get you on the schedule! If you need support in formulating your class plan, preparing accessibility modifications, or with just plain stage fright, we are here to help!
