Anybody can benefit from self-defense training, but it's especially imperative for those lacking a durable outer shell or a loyal pack of grizzly bears. Guard against ursine mutinies with today’s Groupon: for $19, you get seven drop-in kids' self-defense-and-mixed-martial-arts classes at X1 Sports and Fitness (a $78 value).

A health-and-fitness club specializing in self-defense and martial arts, X1 mentors budding grapplers in the ways of personal protection with an emphasis on physical fitness. Kids' classes in self-defense and MMA hip-throw mat rats ages 5–14 into a safe, friendly environment where they can exercise, sharpen motor skills, and practice finishing moves on mannequins and scarecrows. Through the guidance of professional trainers, youngsters learn techniques from multiple disciplines, including kickboxing, muay thai, and wrestling, while experiencing cardio-training programs adopted by top MMA fighters. Kids can dropkick into any of the classes, which run from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. The gym supplies all necessary equipment, such as pads and a stadium full of cheering stuffed animals, and this Groupon covers the $40 initiation fee.