About this Event
Course includes:
Simple practical self defence for all women of all experiences.
Verbal skills to diffuse conflict, observational skills to challenge self doubt, physical skills to achieve safety
Discussion of feminist issues and the female safety experience that builds solidarity in the group and trust in our own reactions, as well as creating options for the future.
Foundation in simple self defence and traditional Kung fu for strength, flexibility, confidence and channelling our emotions. A safe place for our anger, and a means of owning our own body
This is a ten week introductory course that works from a foundation of simple self defence tactics with the addition of traditional Kung fu for continuing the journey into physical confidence. We workshop by discussion the harm done to women by misogyny in a supportive environment, and explore its immediate effects on our day to day lives.
Expanding from the successful Sister Courage Feminist Self Defence course, we go further into exploring the power of the female body via the medium of Tiger Crane Combination Kung fu, a form that was originally designed by a woman.
Or we might say; ever wanted to try a martial art but got put off by too much aggression in the room, or triggered by too many men telling you what to do again? As the Chief Instructor of White Crane Fighting Arts Bristol, I have twenty five years plus experience of being a woman inside the world of martial arts. The course is built on research, training in the field, and lived experience of being a survivor of domestic abuse and sexual assault.
What you can expect:
The biggest single question is always “does this person have my best interests at heart?” or, more simply put “what will happen here if I want to say no?”
So we workshop/ discuss recognition of misogyny, entitlement and victim shaming in conversation we might have with strangers, aquaintances and yes, family members. We look at how those who have entitlement issues or toxic masculinity will potentially use victim shaming,manipulation and gaslighting and will show it through their language and body language
My aim is to concentrate on the perpetrator’s behaviour,so we can see the people who will not respect our boundaries or even believe that we should have them. My message is simple. No assault, verbal or otherwise, is ever the victim’s fault.
This helps us ‘red flag’ actions, and trust our instincts and decisions. This counters the “you’re just being sensitive” moment. We see what we see. We feel what we feel. We are here to give ourselves permission to listen to our instincts, and use them.
We work towards a simple tool box of options; using our body language for boundary calling; using verbal de escalation to divert or call out behaviour in a non judgemental manner; and using simple physical tactics for quick evasion.
Self defence is a choice, not a responsibility. I aim to provide a safe environment to explore and accept all reactions to male aggression, as no two women or their experiences are the same.
We will then go into functional Kung fu training for flexibility, strength, stamina and emotional release. In my experience it helps as a channel for anger which for so long has been forbidden to women. The style that I teach is effective, being designed for smaller people, and relies on internal strength and core management, not huge body strength. We will learn patterns of choreographed ancient movements that train the body to be calm under pressure, strong and skill full. This has been effectively used to regain trust in your own physicality, to reunite you with you so that you can own yourself.
There will also be breathing work ( Chi Gung) for self calming, balance and grounding.
Imagine a class where it’s safe to talk about the effect your period is having and where you do not have to be pretty. Where you know you’re going to cry, and it doesn’t matter. Where you can scream, and actually it’s invited. In the last year the group has also grown into something of a support network, allowing women to speak freely of their experiences with misogyny, aggression and lack of respect for boundaries from those around them.
I want to build a safe home for all of women’s reactions; freeze, fawn, flop, flight, fight and the complete freak out, because these things need a home. have been teaching self defence for sixteen years, specialising in feminist self defence for the last six, and with this class I get to amalgamate my two passions, Kung fu and women’s rights.
This class is inclusive of all women of all levels of ableness and fitness.This class is inclusive of all women: trans, non-binary/ gender fluid and queer.
Please feel free to contact on the subject of any injuries and health concerns.
or 0781300 6569 for anything related to the class or to White Crane Fighting Arts Kung Fu, Bristol
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
St George Community Centre, Church Road, Bristol, United Kingdom
GBP 80.00
