Self-defence isn’t just about fighting off danger – it’s about feeling empowered and confident. Take control by joining a class to learn effective techniques from local expert instructors.
As women, we’ve all had those moments where we feel vulnerable or intimidated, whether it’s walking alone at night or dealing with a potentially threatening situation. What if you could trade in fear for confidence, and feeling vulnerable for feeling empowered?
Self-defence classes for women are more than just a way to learn physical techniques — they’re a powerful tool for building resilience, assertiveness and a sense of personal safety in the world. Self-defence is a shield of empowerment, a beacon of light in the darkness and a declaration of independence. Let’s get into it…
Why do it?
According to a study on self-defence training for female university students conducted by the US National Institutes of Health, it not only provides women with the physical survival techniques necessary to repel attacks effectively, but it “helps to prevent future violence by developing traits such as confidence and assertiveness in individuals”.
Another study conducted by ResearchGate states that “the empowerment of self-defence training is an important part of sexual-assault prevention efforts”. This proves that self-defence classes are as crucial for women as access to free sanitary pads.
What it entails
From beginner level to advanced self-defence sessions, you can expect to learn various physical defence techniques such as strikes, blocks and escapes, as well as real-life scenario training, verbal de-escalation techniques (how to talk someone down to diffuse a volatile situation), boundary setting and awareness and situational training.
10 key self-defence disciplines:
- Judo
- Taekwondo
- Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
- Boxing
- Kickboxing
- Kung Fu
- Karate
- Mixed Martial Arts
- Muay Thai
- Krav Maga
Self-defence apps:
- bSafe
- Life360
- Red Panic Button
- My Safetipin
- Police Scanner App
- iFearLess
- Namola App
- mySOS
- Zello
All the benefits
As mentioned, self-defence classes offer a multitude of benefits for women. Number one: it’s a great workout, improving strength, flexibility and overall physical fitness. But wait, there’s more — by learning practical self-defence skills, women can feel more secure, confident and empowered in their daily lives.
It’s not just about the physical benefits. Self-defence classes also teach you how to be more aware of your surroundings, set boundaries and trust your instincts. By learning effective techniques to protect yourself, you’ll also develop a sense of self-reliance and independence.
Beyond this, many disciplines in the self-defence realm instil discipline and focus, and have mental-health benefits — not least because you’ll be part of a sisterhood of women who support and uplift one another.
So, there you have it. Sign up for self-defence classes today (or tomorrow, no pressure) and gain the knowledge and skills necessary to take control of your safety and well-being.
How to do it
We have included a list of places that offer self-defence classes (see right) —from single-day sessions to more long-term classes, but if you’re not in these areas, know that you can still do it.
Research local gyms or studios that offer martial-arts training such as boxing, karate, kickboxing or Krav Maga (a self-defence system developed for the military). Find out what these disciplines entail and choose whichever appeals to you most.
Reach out to the instructors and ask all the questions — including if they offer the option of a trial class.
Next, grab a friend and get ready to sweat. Before you know it, you’ll be kicking butt like your favourite action heroine (figuratively… or not ?).
Where to go
Countrywide
Joburg, Pretoria, Durban, Bloemfontein, Cape Town
082 299 9117
Johannesburg
Bedfordview
076 533 9715
Randburg
info@northcliffmartialarts.co.za
082 781 7121
Cape Town
District Six
083 304 1981
Bergvliet
082 710 7734
Durban
Westville
admin@forgemixedmartialarts.com
082 929 9279
Umhlanga
072 336 5898
Gqeberha
Fairview
082 299 8337
Polokwane
Eksteen Fighting Crow Karate & MMA International
Peter Mokaba Stadium
063 839 9100
Words by: Emma Mbuthuma
Photography by: Pexels
Also read: Krav Maga: An Intense Self-Defence Workout
