Every year, the clocks go back. And every year, we have this conversation. Today’s news about women feeling unsafe exercising outdoors during the darker winter months feels a little like Groundhog Day. The same troubling statistics surface each year. Although the issue is often framed around women, the latest survey by Sport England and This Girl Can shows that many men also feel unsafe exercising outdoors. Around this time of year, I regularly hear from running and walking g

“But why would anyone want to hurt me?” This poignant question came from an 11-year-old during a self-defence workshop I was leading for girls who had just started secondary school. It truly stopped me in my tracks. As these girls stand at the threshold of adolescence, they are leaving behind the familiar comforts of primary school. They are stepping into a world filled with greater independence, social pressures, relationships, and increasingly, online interactions. One girl

"If I freeze, I've failed." Freezing is one of the most misunderstood survival responses. Many people believe that if they didn't fight back or run away during a frightening experience, they have somehow "failed." I will never forget the story of one of my first clients who was sexually assaulted at the age of 14 by a so-called male ‘friend’ from school. My client was tall, sporty and - as a rugby player - very strong. She could have easily overpowered her attacker, but in th

Practical skills, emotional confidence and a safer connection with the body When we think about self-defence, we often imagine physical techniques for striking or escaping. Those skills matter, of course. But self-defence can offer something much wider than a set of emergency responses. Taught in the right way, it can become a practical, empowering and supportive tool for people actually recovering from traumatic experiences such as assault or abuse. Trauma can leave lasting

Beyond the Black Belt – What Real-World Self-Defence Should Teach It’s a common sight: self-defence classes led by martial artists. As a martial arts instructor myself, I understand the attraction. Disciplines like kickboxing, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu or aikido each offer valuable techniques—whether it’s striking, escaping joint locks, or learning takedowns. Training in these arts certainly has its benefits, and I would be the first to shout about their ability to boost fitness, s

This week I led a thought-provoking self-defence session alongside individuals who have experienced violence from a family member. It was a conversation that challenged assumptions and highlighted the complex emotions involved when someone close to us, especially a loved one, acts out in ways that are harmful. Ethical Dilemmas with the Use of Force My work often involves supporting survivors of familial abuse in the case of domestic violence. In these cases, the perpetrator t

Insights and Practical Guidance for Instructors Leicester and the Midlands are celebrated for their rich cultural diversity, with a tapestry of ethnicities, languages, and traditions shaping our local community. In particular we have a strong Muslim presence, and as a self-defence instructor, I am frequently invited to deliver workshops specifically tailored for women within these communities. Drawing from my own experiences, I hope the key considerations below will help othe