Personal Self Defence Edmonton

Ages 13-must have an accompanying adult participating

RCL is teaming up again in 2026 - Starts again in March.

This is a two-day course that runs on a Saturday and Sunday, from 9 am - 4:30 pm.

Visit PSD Edmonton homepagefor more information

Who is delivering the courses?

PSD (formerly named RAD) is an international non-profit organization that offers affordable and practical self-defence for women ages 13-100 (ages 13-15 must be accompanied with a participating adult).
This course is for all abilities and available to those who have already taken RAD (free of charge).
The Edmonton chapter coordinators is collaborating with the Ritchie Community League to ensure an affordable and impactful course.

The coordinators volunteer their time to screen and vet volunteer instructors. Volunteers are Edmonton Police Service civilian staff and officers and other front line emergency responders. They wear full-body protective gear so you can unleash and know what you’re capable of.

What to Expect

Saturday

• The first part of the course is to build understanding and awareness of personal safety and knowledge in what to look for.

Sunday

• The second part of the course is teaching skills, fit-to-participant that will get themselves out of a harmful situation.

• The skill building part of the course is tailored to the individual meaning there are multiple tools available and can accommodate most mobility issues.

• There is also an optional scenario part of the course where skills are practiced in meaningful practice. The scenarios teach women how to get passed the panic state of mind and into action.

• There are always female instructors in each course. Male volunteers in the scenarios wear a fully padded suit so you can unleash your full potential.

Ages and Requirements

• For ages 12-15 year olds, a participating guardian must also be enrolled in the course.

  (This is because of the content being introduced.)

• For ages 16-18 year olds, participation requires guardian approval but the guardian does not need to enroll

• Suitable for different ages and abilities

Cost: $41.50

Registration:

Sign up to get a notification when the registration is open. For Ritchie members, a minimal number of spots be reserved per month and then released a week prior to the course start date.

Visit PSD homepage for more information or email infor@radedmonton.ca

Ritchie Skateboarding

Ritchie Skateboarding

Learn to Skate

We’re teaming up with Edmonton Skateboarding Association (ESA) to bring Ritchie and area skateboarding (indoor / outdoor).

Learn more about ESA here.

Under 16 Intro to Skate: 4-class sessions, introductory lessons on Saturdays from Jan-April 2026. Ages 6-16

Each class is 45 minutes of instruction and 45 minutes of practice/free skate.

Cost: $5 (thanks to Every Kid Can Play and ESA)

• Session 1: January 17 - February 7 @ 10am

• Session 2: February 21-March 14 @ 10am

• Session 3: March 21 - April 18 @ 10am (no class March 28)

League members - you will have first access to register as spots are limited. An email with registration link will be sent first week of January 2026.

Questions about the program? Contact David by email edmontonskateassociation@gmail.com.

Over 30 and new to skateboarding? We’re working on something for you too!

• Chill time for new skaters (not for advanced or aggressive riders)

• Monthly fee and dates TBD

Intro to Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

Tuesday Evenings

REGISTRATION Now open for
February 2026

Women and teen girls (gr. 7 or ages 13+) - 7:15-8:15 pm

Youth, any gender (gr.4-6 or ages 9-12) - 6:00-7:00 pm

START Feb 3. Last Class Mar 10
Back again. 6-class introductory course, you will learn some of the basic concepts and techniques or keep going from past classes of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu with a self-defence focus.

Be prepared to sweat, learn, and have fun in a safe and supportive environment!

What is Brazilian jiu-jitsu? A martial art that focuses on getting an opponent to the ground in order to neutralize possible strength or size advantages - great teachings of self-defense. On the ground, physical strength can be offset or enhanced through proper grappling techniques.

CLASS DETAILS

• Taught by Nat on the Mat!

• We will be working closely with partners.

• No special attire is required.

• We are non-binary, gender queer, and trans inclusive.

FEE (6 CLASSES)

Please register then provide payment.
$60 per adult (League subsidizing fee - regular $95)
FREE for youth under 18 (League pays for $30 and thanks to Kids Can Play Grant covers the next $30, making this session free)

Questions about the class? Email Natalie at bjjandyoga@gmail.com

Issues with registration or payment, email inquiries@ritchie-league.com

Parents & Tots Meetup

Starting Monday, January 12

Bi-weekly, 10 am. to 12:30 pm

Check Calendar for dates

Are you a parent with little ones (0-3) looking to meet other families in your neighbourhood? Join us at Ritchie Hall every second Monday to enjoy a cup of coffee and connect with other parents in a welcoming, family-friendly space. 

A perfect excuse to get out of the house with your kiddo! No registration needed, just drop in and say hi!

There is no cost to drop-in but we ask that you consider purchasing a league membership (from your home league) or donate what you can.

Cost: Free!

Mondays, every second week. Check calendar for upcoming dates.

Drop in anytime from 10am to noon.

CONTACT: Inquiries@ritchie-league.com for any questions or if you’d like to share ideas or help set-up

For Community. By Community.

Ritchie Lunch (TBD)

Help us make Lunch happen!

We are working to develop a new program and are looking for some community-minded volunteers to join the planning team.

Our goal: a monthly or bi-weekly lunch for seniors, new parents, or anyone in the neighbourhood who has time to connect over a cup of hot soup.

What we need: a league representative willing to lead the planning process, and who can start volunteering as soon as possible.

We’re also hoping to partner with up to three other organizations to plan and execute these lunches. If your organization demonstrates leadership in caring for community, and if your values align with those of Ritchie Community League, this could be a great opportunity to collaborate!

Open to Ritchie and adjacent communities.

What’s being served?

• Veggie and/or meat based soups

• Buns from beloved local bakers

• Cheese and veggies for snacking

• Coffee and tea

Want to be part of the magic?

• Join the planning team

• Help track inventory or source supplies

• Help set up, serve, and/or clean up

Grindstone

Grindstone Theatre School

WINTER REGISTRATION NOW OPEN!

Ready to take the stage this winter? Find your spotlight at Grindstone Theatre School!

Warm up with creativity, confidence, and community! Our Winter Classes invite performers of all levels to explore the magic of the stage through acting, movement, and storytelling. Guided by experienced instructors, students will build performance skills, strengthen their stage presence, and collaborate on scenes, monologues, and ensemble work—all in a fun, supportive environment.

Whether you’re stepping into the spotlight for the first time or refining your craft, these classes offer the perfect opportunity to stay inspired through the colder months. The session culminates in a lively showcase where students share their work with family and friends.

Join us this winter and discover the joy of theatre—where imagination takes center stage!

RCL members get the early bird rate of $50 off at any point in registration, but are still encouraged to sign up early as spots fill up!

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Adult Classes at the Ritchie Hall

Improv 101

Mondays starting January 19, 6 to 8 pm (no class on February 16)

Learn the fundamentals of improv in a fun and supportive environment. Students will build a strong foundation of self-acceptance, spontaneity, and playfulness as they learn to make up scenes on the spot. This class will focus on the basics of improv and how to get started as a performer. Join long-practicing improviser and teacher John Battye for an engaging and high-energy experience.

$381.60 before RCL members’ discount

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Kids and Teens Classes at the Ritchie Hall

Nothing this season.

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NOTE: Not all Grindstone classes are held at the Ritchie Hall. Visit the Grindstone Class Schedule for a complete list and registration information.

For more details visit the Grindstone website: grindstonetheatre.ca/

Questions about Grindston programming? Get in touch with Jules Pepin, Education Manager at jpepin@grindstonetheatre.ca. 

Strength and Stretch

Mondays, 10:30 am with Deb or Dana

Starting January 5, 2026!

Come join for some strength training and gentle stretching to help keep us strong and mobile. 

Designed for 50 and older, class offers several levels of intensity so anyone can join and can work at their own pace.

This will also include some yoga style stretches to help mobility, flexibility and balance.  Come socialize with a great group of participants as well.  Hope you can join us.

JANUARY IS FREE!

Cost: $5 per drop-in, $40 for a 10-class punch card.

Show Receipt at first class to get punch card.

You can also purchase your punch cards before or after class.

Questions? Contact Dana: danaarmit@gmail.com or Deb: debproc72@gmail.com

Pub Night

Come down to the Ritchie Hall on the last Saturday of the month for drinks, snacks, games and tunes. Bring your neighbour!

Check each month (see below) for special music guests, special games night (like Bingo or Crib night) or special activities (like re-gift exchange).

Is it family friendly? Children and teens are welcome to join pub night, seated at tables. If your kid needs a place to run around, pub night, it’s not set up for that inside, but we sure do have a playground outside!

Is there live music? Sometimes. Pub Nights are for the community by the community. Sometimes it’s games or solo artists or just chill vibes. 

Do we only serve beer? Each month we add something or try something different. We now offer cider, wine on request, and Edna’s premium mocktails (that can also Not be a mocktail). 

Do we serve food? We don’t have full food service, but we do serve Lucy‘s pizza buns from Hazeldean bakery and other snacks.

Upcoming Pub Nights

Details:

• Bent Stick brews, cider option, NA options

• Snacks for purchase - Lucy’s pizza buns & exclusive to Ritchie, cheese buns.

• $5 admission at the door (price of admission includes one drink ticket for Ritchie resident members)

• There will be music, sometimes live and sometimes special playlists

For Community. By Community. Come and Help Out. Meet your neighbours.

• Set-up the seating / entry / games on tables

• Entry table for ticket and memberships and door watching

• Sell drinks and food (pro-serve not required)

• Pro-server to supervise event (all night) and serve when bar gets busy

• Tear down and clean up with help from friends

Questions? Ask the team: pubnights@ritchie-league.com

Thinking Body

WINTER SESSION: January 15 to March 12, 2026

Thursdays, 8:25-9:25 pm

Discover a new way to take care of your self and your body with this method that is gentle and powerful.

A compliment to any of your health practices, Thinking Body will teach you new ways to enhance your vitality, regulate your nervous system and improve balance and muscle elasticity. At the crossroads of several practices, the method is simple and accessible. You will be both surprised and excited about restoring your physical being in all it’s potential.

Includes:

• dynamic anatomy

• neuromuscular training

• postural and core solicitation

• flexibility and tone

REGISTRATION DETAILS

$122 for Ritchie Community League members

$135 for non-members

FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT the Move and be Moved website

For Questions email: irousseau.moveandbemoved@gmail.com

Ballet With Your Neighbour

WINTER SESSION: January 15 to March 12, 2026

Thursdays, 7:15-8:15 pm

Join our family-friendly Adult Ballet Class!

You can learn the foundations of ballet or get back into it for fitness, fun and artistry. And you can bring your kids 7- 17 yrs old to dance too!

Class will include a dynamic warm-up, up-to-date progressive conditioning, barre and centre work and some accessible, satisfying choreography. While doing an out-of-the ordinary activity with your children and teens.

Class is:

• accessible

• respectful of your pace and body

• using imagery to improve your posture and alignment

REGISTRATION DETAILS

Regular Registration

• Single Registration fee: $135

• Parent and Child Registration: $203

• Additional Child Registrations: $50 each

Ritchie League member Registration

• Single Registration $122

• Parent and Child Registration: $190

• Additional Child Registrations: $50 each

*Minimum participants required to run the program: 10 adults or 12 adults and children

FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT the Move and be Moved website

For Questions email: irousseau.moveandbemoved@gmail.com

Coffee Drop in at the Ritchie Hall

Tuesday, 10am - noon

No meetup on July 1 due to the stat holiday.

Come warm up and hang out at the hall on Tuesday mornings for “Coffee and Conversation”.

Meet a neighbour at the hall, or pop by on your own. Bring your wee one for playmat time, bring your neighbourhood stories, bring your studying, or bring a book.

Caregivers of little ones 5 and under are invited to bring your balls, run bikes and ride-on toys and let the little ones have 'free run' of our large hall. Coffee is on for parents. 

Hosted by our Hall Manager, this is also a great time to chat with her about your upcoming rental or program idea, or to pick something up.

An RCL or other Edmonton League membership is required, and available to purchase on site. Supervision is not provided - parents are expected to stay in the space and monitor safe play. Hall Manager is present if there are any concerns. 

NEED TO KNOW:

• drop-in, no registration required

• free parking in our lot

• it’s FREE!

• everyone is welcome!