Women's Self Defence in Canberra: What the First Course Is Really Like

Is a women's self defence course really for someone like me?

If you have typed that question into a search bar, you are probably somewhere between curious and nervous. You may have never set foot in a martial arts club. You may be wondering whether you are fit enough, strong enough or brave enough.

Here is the short answer. Our women's self defence courses are built for people who have never done this before. No experience and no martial arts background are needed, and nobody is expected to arrive confident.

What actually happens in the three hours

Each course runs for three hours, from 1pm to 4pm on a Saturday, at our Coombs club. It is a women-only space, so you will be training alongside other women, in a supportive room where nobody is judging you.

The focus is not on kicks and punches for their own sake. The course covers three things:

• Awareness: recognising and avoiding risk before it becomes a problem.
• Assertiveness: setting boundaries with confidence.
• Simple physical skills: techniques that work regardless of size or strength.

You will also learn how your mind and body react under stress, and how to work with that reaction rather than against it. For many people, this is the part that stays with them longest.

Confidence is a skill you can practise, and it starts in a room where nobody is judging you.

The worries we hear most often

"I am not fit enough."

This is not a fitness test. The course is described as suitable for complete beginners, and the skills are chosen to be simple. You can work at your own pace, and nobody is keeping score.

"I do not want to spar with strangers."

You will not be asked to. There is no sparring with strangers on this course, and there is no pressure to do anything that feels like too much. The aim is to build skills and confidence, not to test you.

"I am too small for this to work."

The techniques are selected because they do not depend on size or strength. That is the whole point of learning them properly, rather than guessing what might work on the day.

"I will be the only one who has never done this."

Beginners are exactly who the course is designed for, with or without any martial arts background. Nobody needs to have trained before to belong in the room.

"What if I get something wrong?"

Then you are in good company. Getting something wrong the first time is part of learning any new skill. Nobody in the room expects a perfect first attempt.

What to bring and how to prepare

Keep it simple. You need a t-shirt, comfortable long pants and a drink bottle. That is all.

The course starts exactly on time, so please arrive ready to go. If you are unsure about anything on the day, ask. Questions are welcome.

Why the group is kept small

Every course is capped at 20 places. That is deliberate. A smaller group means everyone gets real attention, and nobody gets lost at the back of the room.

The courses do fill up, so booking early is wise. If the dates listed do not suit you, you can still fill in the form and let us know. We will add you to the list for future dates.

Where it can lead

For some women, the course is a single Saturday and that is perfectly fine. You walk away with practical skills and a better sense of how you respond under pressure.

For others, it is the first step into regular training. If that sounds like you, have a look at our adult martial arts classes, our Krav Maga class or our timetable to see what fits your week.

Our getting started guide explains the next steps, and you can meet the people who teach on our team page. If cost is on your mind, our pricing page sets everything out clearly.

Ready to look at dates?

Course dates, the booking form and the full details sit on our women's self defence page. If you have a question first, use the same form and we will reach out for a chat about the course and what you need.

There is no such thing as a silly question. We would rather you ask than stay at home wondering.