Fight or Flight? Most women have at one time or another experienced a sense of fear or vulnerability about their safety. However when threatened by an attacker most will neither fight nor flee – but will freeze.

This will be a WOMEN ONLY self-defense seminar for AW members based on the proven skills and techniques of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Those attending can expect to learn effective self defense techniques in a relaxed, friendly and safe environment.

The seminar will take you through a light stretch and warm up before teaching some standing and ground fighting techniques which you will have a chance to practice with partners. Remember YOU set the limits and can take part in the seminar to whatever extent you feel comfortable.

Maren has a combined 10 years of Judo and BJJ experience and will be taking the seminar with the assistance of the club’s head coach Vanderson Pires.

What is Brazilian Jiu Jitsu? BJJ is a martial art and combat sport that emphasizes ground grappling. Although it includes many Judo and Wrestling techniques to get the opponent to the ground, it places emphasis on ground fighting and is unlike many other ground fighting styles, particularly in the way that it teaches practitioners to fight from their backs to gain advantageous positions and apply submission holds (such as joint-locks and chokeholds).

One of the main premises of the sport of BJJ is 'maximum efficiency with minimal effort'. It teaches that a smaller, weaker person can overcome a bigger, stronger opponent using leverage and proper technique. When women realize this, training BJJ becomes empowering and great means of self-defense considering nearly all attacks on women go to the ground.

This Seminar is highly recommended for women who are interested in:

• Learning some of the practical skills of self defense

• Challenging themselves to increase fitness levels

• Increasing self-confidence, self-esteem and feeling empowered

• Joining in on the weekly women’s self defense classes or slugging it out with the boys in the club’s daily BJJ classes.

What to Wear Be comfortable! Shirts, shorts and sweat pants are all fine. Try not to wear anything with extra pockets, belt loops or baggy fabric. These are dangerous since fingers and toes can get caught in them. Baggy cargo shorts are a common example of what not to wear. Also bring a drink bottle to keep hydrated.

Difficulty 2-3 – There will be close physical contact with other women while practicing the techniques so be prepared for this, however feel free to stop and watch whenever you do not feel comfortable participating further.

The seminar will be from  6.00pm - 7.00pm. Please turn up a little bit earlier so we can be on the mat at six :)