We provide practical, real-world self-defence workshops for women and organisations across London, led by expert, qualified, DBS-checked instructors.
Sessions focus on building confidence, awareness, and safety skills for everyday life.
26/08/2026
2-Day Immersive Self-Defence Course is coming back to Ray Stevens Academy! 🥋❣️
She Fights Back is an interactive, fun and exciting event for women who want to feel more confident, in charge and prepared for uncomfortable interactions.
Led by Roger Gracie Black Belt and Self-Defence Coach ᴊᴏᴀɴɴᴀ | ᴍᴀʀᴛɪᴀʟ ᴀʀᴛɪꜱᴛ | ᴛᴜᴛᴏʀ
Sign up today to book your spot! ⤵️
WWW.WOMENSELFDEFENCE.UK/WORKSHOPS
Or DM Women’s Self-Defence UK for info ✔️
17/08/2026
Covent Garden feels familiar, but the recent incident on Endell Street is a reminder that our surroundings can change in an instant. Read why environmental awareness matters, practical steps to stay safer in public spaces, and how confidence comes from preparedness, not fear. https://wix.to/gr0Qe1K
Why Environmental Awareness Matters: The Lessons from Recent Covent Garden Stabbing Covent Garden is not somewhere most people associate with danger.It is a place people go to meet friends, see a show, eat lunch, shop and explore London. It 's busy, familiar and, for many people, somewhere they feel completely comfortable.And that is precisely why the recent incident on Endell Stre...
Not every fancy defence you see will work for you - establish what you already know, how strong you are, and what moves feel practical and doable when defending against training partners.
Only if you can perform these moves with high level accuracy on a resisting opponent- there is a chance you may be able to replicate this in real life.
If you can’t perform this on a resisting training partner - just forget it, it’s not for you!
What works for an ox -like built ex army person won’t work the same way for a 55 kg lady who occasionally does Pilates. Sorry that’s just the reality.
Test it, over and over before you decide to teach it in your school. Very few people do…
Clare’s Law — UK Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme
You have the right to ask the police if they hold information about a partner’s history of domestic abuse that may help keep you safe.
Knowing your rights can help you make informed decisions.
29/07/2026
Great energy at our community workshops in Southwark last night - thank you to all the beautiful ladies who attended and brought their wonderful energy into the shared space 🙌🏼🙏🏼😊❤️
Working with groups of like minded people who gather for the same purpose is insanely inspirational and brings so much joy into the work that we do at Women’s Self-Defence UK.
Special thanks to Annie Annie Kohne who joined us bringing her unique experience! 🙌🏼🙏🏼😊
🚩 The biggest red flag in a martial arts gym isn’t poor coaching — it’s poor safeguarding.
Before signing your child up, you’ve already watched the class and seen how the coaches teach. But there are a few important questions every parent should ask:
✅ 1. Does the club have a safeguarding policy?
A professional club should have clear procedures in place to protect children and know what to do if a concern is raised.
✅ 2. Are coaches properly vetted?
Ask about enhanced DBS checks where appropriate, safeguarding training, and how the club ensures coaches are suitable to work with children.
✅ 3. Who is responsible for safeguarding?
There should be a clear person responsible for safeguarding, with parents knowing who they can speak to if they have concerns.
Good martial arts clubs don’t see safeguarding as a burden — they see it as part of being a responsible coach.
KidsMartialArts
14/07/2026
💥 Teen Girls Self-Defence Workshop (Ages 13–17) 💥
📍Ray Stevens Academy, 15th August, 1-3pm
Women’s Self-Defence UK is delivering a practical, confidence-building 2-hour workshop for Teen Girls, designed to help develop awareness, assertiveness, and essential self-defence skills.
Limited to 10 participants.
What will be covered:
• Boundary-setting and personal safety awareness
• Real-life scenarios (school, social situations, and everyday encounters)
• Practical self-defence techniques in a fun and supportive environment
👉 Outcome: safer decision-making + stronger voice
🛡️Delivered by: Coach Joanna (Roger Gracie Black Belt and a Personal Safety Trainer)
📲DM Women’s Self-Defence to book, or go to our website for more details www.womenselfdefence.uk
womenempowerment
Instagram has introduced a feature that can use your photos to create AI-generated images, and it’s turned on by default.
Here’s how to turn it off 😎
11/07/2026
Your Brain Is Designed to Keep You Alive
Most people have heard of the "fight or flight" response. In reality, our brains have several automatic survival responses, including fight, flight, freeze, and fawn.
When your brain senses a potential threat, it doesn't stop to ask what you would like to do. It rapidly decides what it believes gives you the best chance of staying safe.
Why Women Freeze, What to Do About It, and What a Landmark UK R**e Conviction Teaches Us "Why didn't I say anything?""I knew something felt wrong, but I just stood there.""I laughed awkwardly, even though I wanted him to leave me alone."If you've ever asked yourself these questions after an uncomfortable encounter, you're not alone.As a personal safety and women's self-defence instructo...
17/06/2026
We have spots available for an empoweing Self-Defence workshop for Teen Girls, this Saturday 4-6pm in Richmond.
A great way to build confidence and learn basic defence tactics in a fun, supportive female environment 🩷🤼♀️
Location: Elevate Martial Arts, Richmond