Women's Self-Defence UK
Providing Realistic Personal Safety Tools for Women
Women's Workshops
Join us for an empowering experience, where you will get the chance to learn alongside other women, being taught by the best instructors!
Our June workshops will be held at Elevate Martial Arts and Strength in Richmond and our September workshops will be held at the Ray Stevens Academy in New Malden.
Both events will be led by Coach Joanna. Guest instructors will be confirmed shortly.
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3 - Hour Empowering Women's Self-Defence Workshop (16+)
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13th of June 2026
Join us for a powerful 3-hour ladies-only workshop held in the heart of Richmond, inside a private dojo space at Richmond Station. This foundational course is designed to help women recognise potential threats early, respond assertively to unwanted behaviour, and develop effective reflexes and breakaway tactics. Every element of this training is created specifically for women, by a woman—focused on real-life situations rather than unrealistic “movie-style” techniques.
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The session is built around instinctive, practical responses to the kinds of situations women may face in everyday life. Come with an open mind, and leave feeling stronger, more confident, and better prepared.
Spaces are limited, so early booking is recommended.
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✨ What's included:
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A signed copy of 'She Fights Back’: Using self-defence psychology to reclaim your power'
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Access to our video library with recorded demonstrations of techniques covered in the workshop
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Environmental Awareness Preparation Materials (to be studied prior to the workshop)
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PDF Female Solo Traveller Safety Guide
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Price:
Early Bird: £99
Standard: £129
Early Bird Prices are valid until the 13th of May 2026. Please note that all workshops and courses are non-refundable if cancelled by the buyer.
Confident and Safe:
Self-Defence for Teen Girls (age 13-17)
20th June, 4-6 pm
This is a confidence - building workshop, allowing teens to learn about awareness, and practical self-defence skills in a supportive environment. It teaches teens how to recognise risk, set boundaries, and respond safely in real-life situations.
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✨ What's included:
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A gift bag, including a signed copy of 'She Fights Back’ book
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Access to our video library with recorded demonstrations of techniques covered in the workshop
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PDF Female Solo Traveller Safety Guide
Price:
Early Bird: £59
Standard: £79
Early Bird Prices are valid until the 13th of May 2026. Please note that all workshops and courses are non-refundable if cancelled by the buyer.
She Fights Back:
​​​2 - Day Women's Only Self-Defence Workshops
26-27 September, Ray Stevens Academy (New Malden)
These transformative workshops are tailored for women aged 16+ who want to feel more in control, more aware, and more prepared. Whether you’ve never tried self-defence before or you're looking to refresh your skills, this experience is designed to empower you with both knowledge and practical tools to handle real-life situations with confidence. We focus on de-escalation, assertiveness, and realistic response training, blending physical practice with vital scenario-based learning.​
DAY 1: STAND - UP DEFENCE (3:30-6:30pm)
Saturday, 26th of September 2026
This session focuses on building confidence through strong posture, smart movement, and powerful, simple techniques that anyone can use. You’ll explore how to control your space, stay balanced, and respond to threats with effective blocks, strikes, and escape techniques. Through scenario-based training and hands-on coaching, you'll develop practical skills you can rely on in real-world situations. We combine drills, discussions, and guided partner practice to give you a full-body introduction to self-defence from a standing position.​​
Full Agenda
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• Reflex and awareness drills
• Footwork, posture, and distance control
• Verbal de-escalation techniques
• Basic blocks combined with offence
• Effective striking techniques
• Escapes from grabs and holds
• Scenarios with coach-led guidance
DAY 2: GROUND DEFENCE (2-5pm)
Sunday, 27th September 2026
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This session focuses on what to do if you’re being approached form a seated, or lying position. We show what to do when you're being pushed to the ground, how to fall safely, regain control, and use your legs and core as powerful tools for defence. You’ll work through practical ground-based scenarios with our expert coaches in a safe and supportive environment.
Full Agenda
• Break fall techniques to minimise injury
• How to establish a strong combat base
• Defensive frames using legs and shins
• Using lower body for strikes and sweeps
• Recovery from ground attacks
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✨ We will receive:
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A gift bag, including a signed copy of 'She Fights Back’ book
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Access to our video library with recorded demonstrations of techniques covered in the workshop
Come as you are—no experience needed, just a willingness to learn. Leave with a stronger voice, clearer instincts, and practical tools to help you move through the world with more confidence.
Pricing
Day 1: £129
Day 2: £129
Both days: £179
​Sign up for our newsletter to get EARLY BIRD prices and special discounts!
Please note that all workshops and courses are non-refundable if cancelled by the buyer.
You can inquire about using your credit for our next Workshops.
How it all started
Joanna started practising martial arts at an early age, actively competing in various martial arts disciplines including Kick-boxing, Judo, Submission wrestling, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
One day, when working in security, she was taken off guard and suffered from an attack that left her wondering how she didn't see the threat coming. She realised that despite her experience as an athlete, she was not taking certain precautions into account.
This is when she questioned the role of martial art training in preventing threats, and went on a quest to discover what lies at the core of women's self-defence.
While still working in security, she started to organise seminars for women, and quickly understood that what drove decisions and reactions in certain scenarios were directly linked to:
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awareness and ability to spot danger
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the level of certainty and confidence
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keeping a level head and not freezing.
Just like in her martial arts career, she noticed certain correlations that helped her shape her program:
1. Awareness: just like in a competition setting, being aware of who your opponent is, can play a major role in establishing the level of threat. We need to know who we're dealing with, to be able to employ the correct strategy. In every day life, this would mean screening your environment, spotting any red flags, and early prevention - not allowing the opponent to strike first.
2. Level of certainty and confidence: this is one of the cornerstones of performance. Every athlete needs to be confident in their skillset in order to achieve their goals. Mental resiliency and the belief in the possessed abilities can act as a driving force towards success. In a self-defence scenario this doesn't only pertain to confidence in the physical skills, but also the confidence in protecting our boundaries and asserting ourselves using our voice and body language.
3. Keeping a level head and not freezing: When faced with an unexpected, or unpredictable threat, we need the ability to stay present. In martial arts spending hours of training can condition us to face predictable threats, yet when the unexpected happens, we may fall into the state of freeze. The more we practice employing strategies for self-control, the more chances we have to be able to act.
