The Way of the Tender Warrior
A relational training game where we cultivate the capacity to meet an uncertain future through martial arts. We learn to trust ourselves. To rely on each other. To reveal our innate gifts and help to create the conditions for others to do the same.
Story Mode is our weekly training path. You learn martial arts, practice the six Tender Warrior roles, and develop alongside a group of training partners.
Each practice session is a unique experience we create together through conscious relational practices, structured partner work, and real martial arts training.
Movement and community connection reduce stress and improve mental health, but many sensitive and neurodivergent people struggle to find physical activities where they feel supported enough to thrive.
Tender Warrior removes the invisible barriers to training.
You journey begins with a Tutorial: a three-hour introduction followed by your a three-week trial of our ongoing sessions. You learn how to play, meet your training partners, and see whether this is a good fit.
This is for you if…
If any of the following apply, you may already be a Tender Warrior:
You have a hard time getting out of your head and into your body
You give way too many fucks — like, a debilitating amount of fucks
You feel deeply affected by the vibe of the spaces around you
You get really bored or lose focus in workout classes
You just want to yell — like, all the time
You crave real connection, but group spaces often feel exhausting or performative
You thrive in supportive environments that truly see and value your gifts
Many of our members arrive feeling disconnected from their bodies or convinced they’re “not athletic.”
Tender Warrior combines practical fighting skills with supportive coaching to meet you where you are and help you discover your potential.
We don’t lower the bar — we lengthen the runway.
Your Tutorial Session
In this three hour session you’ll meet your new training partners with a mix of movement and connection activities.
You learn how to stand, move, strike, and holds pads safely. You meet the six Tender Warrior roles: Scout, Adept, Ranger, Monk, Seeker, and Mage. Each gives you a different way to practice with your body, your attention, and your training partners.
Our central partner game is Combat Improv.
One person holds the pads and shapes the round. The other responds. You begin with clear sequences. As you develop skill and trust, the practice opens. You make choices. You experiment.
The goal isn’t to win. The goal is to stay in present, responsive, and eventually creative — with yourself, your partner, and the challenge in front of you.
During your first six week training cycle, you’ll learn:
stance and footwork
breathing, mindfulness, and regulation
striking and pad holding fundamentals
authentic connection practices
the structure of the game
how to train safely with others
Your guide on this journey is Jordan Ferretti.
Jordan experiences martial arts as living systems. He weaves thirty years of extensive training in Tang Soo Do (3rd degree black belt), American kickboxing, Dutch style kickboxing, Muay Thai, boxing, practical karate, and stand-up grappling into each session.
He founded and ran Fighting Chance Seattle for eight years and taught more than a hundred self-defense workshops, from small private groups to events with hundreds of participants.
His capacity to track and make space for the conversations that wanted to happen inspired him to deepen into his work as a facilitator.
Through his own personal journey of healing relational and developmental trauma, facilitating men’s circles and other spaces, and sitting in retreat with the living world, Jordan developed the Inner World Map and Trauma Resilience Framework. Together, they form the engine of the Way of the Tender Warrior — a landscape of realms we learn to navigate through movement, story, and relationship.
Frequently asked questions
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We strongly recommend attending at least two classes per week. We understand everyone has crazy schedules though. If you can make one week night per week and at least two Saturday’s per month that is workable.
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Our process is designed to meet you where you are and build your strength, stability, and balance. We empower one another to listen to our bodies and define our appropriate level of challenge.
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There are no contracts, but as we make an investment in all new members we request you make a personal commitment for at least three months of training.
Fall Tutorial Session
Join the waiting list below to be contacted when the next registration session goes live.
Begin with a 3-hour Tutorial Session followed by one month of Foundation Training
✨ Your registration includes:
3-Hour Tutorial Session
1 Month of Foundation Training
Boxing gloves (yours to keep)
8-page training guide zine
4 weekly emails to support your journey
All for the special rate of: $195
(Sliding scale available — contact us for details)
Location and Schedule Information
→ All sessions are held at 3721 S Alaska St in Columbia City.
Tutorial Session
Sat, 10/31, 11:30 - 2:30 pm
Build confidence by working with other new participants in this opening workshop. Completion is required to attend the weekly sessions.
Six-Week Foundation Training
11/2 - 12/9, Mon & Wed | 7:30 – 8:30 pm
Weeks 1 - 3 → Build confidence in the basics
Week 5-6 → Integrate the system
New lessons are usually taught on Mondays and reviewed on Wednesdays, so if you miss a class you won’t fall behind. Your first month is a focused introduction to help you learn the practice, we recommend attending as many sessions as you can.
After completing Foundation Training, students can continue into ongoing monthly practice ($160/month).
Are you ready?
Register today to save your spot. This cohort is limited to 12 new participants.
(Timing doesn’t work? The next intro series is tentatively planned for Jan 2027)
Contact / Waiting list
If you have any questions or if you’d like to be added to the waiting list for a future intro workshop, please use this form to contact us.
