Empowerment through self-Defense: How one Syracuse woman is helping others take control of their safety

Syracuse, N.Y. (NCC News) – For many women, personal safety is an ever-present concern. The thought of being in a dangerous situation is unsettling, but the question remains. Amy Andrello, CEO and owner of Hot Yoga Syracuse, is on a mission to help women answer that question with confidence.

Through her six-week women’s self-defense course, Andrello is not just teaching physical techniques. She’s fostering empowerment, awareness and a sense of control over one’s own safety.

Andrello’s journey into martial arts and yoga was more than fitness and competition; it was about personal growth and empowerment. Her excitement for teaching stems from her own experiences, and she recognizes the deep need for women to have these skills.

“I teach from my own experience and what I’m passionate about, and it’s so empowering to me and has changed my martial arts that I just want to share it,” Andrello says.

That joy is now a driving force behind her self-defense classes. Women can learn essential skills in situational awareness, recognizing danger and trusting their instincts, all before a physical confrontation ever occurs. `

Walking into any class can be intimidating, especially for those who have never practiced martial arts or combat training before. The goal is to create an environment where women feel safe, supported and capable.

The course starts with the basics, learning proper stances, defensive postures and simple but effective movements to block or escape an attack. Over time, participants progress to more advanced techniques, combining physical skills with mental preparedness.

For Kayla Young, a longtime participant at Hot Yoga Syracuse, taking the self-defense course was an eye-opening experience.

“I definitely left learning a lot. Learned a lot about my body and just what I can do, and some things I want to work on,” she says.

That self-awareness is just as important as the techniques themselves. Many women enter the class with little knowledge of how their bodies can be used as tools of defense. By the end, they leave with greater confidence in their abilities and a new perspective on personal safety.

One of the most powerful aspects of Adorella’s course is the sense of community it builds among participants. The supportive atmosphere encourages women to share their experiences and concerns, creating a space where they can learn from one another and develop mental resilience alongside physical skills.

Beyond the self-defense training, Adorella hopes her classes help shift the mindset around personal safety. While many women go through life hoping they’ll never face danger, Adorella believes in being proactive rather than reactive.

“We all are here for the same goal is to be protected and to protect our children too. It’s so much better than just self-defense,” Young said.  

For many women, dangerous situations are always a thought in their mind, though many never know what they would actually do in the situation.

“It’s so good to connect with like-minded women that want to protect and feel empowered and just really be there for each other,” Young says.

By equipping women with the tools to recognize potential threats and respond accordingly, the course replaces fear with empowerment.

The six-week women’s self-defense course at Hot Yoga Syracuse is open to women at all fitness levels, ages 12 and up. No prior experience is necessary.

While this current session is fully booked,  Andrello will be offering more self-defense check out HotYogaSyracuse.com for more information.