WHO WE ARE

Violence against women and girls is one of the most widespread and devastating human rights violations in the world. A third of all women and girls experience physical or sexual violence in their lifetime.

Protecting yourself starts with knowledge. Learning to identify and avoid potential threats—and knowing how to defend yourself when necessary—can give you the confidence to feel safer in your everyday life.

WHY CHOOSE WOMEN'S SELF-DEFENSE UK?

Our workshops and courses are tailored to tackle the real-life threats we face today, and equip you with the tools to feel prepared and empowered.

You’ll learn practical safety strategies to integrate into your daily routine and travel plans, gain hands-on experience in physical defence techniques, and have the opportunity to earn a certification through our courses.

MEET JOANNA

Joanna founded Women's Self-Defense UK with a mission to empower women across the UK by providing practical tools and strategies.

With over 25 years of experience in martial arts as a coach, competitor, and World Champion in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Joanna combines her expertise with insights gained from years working in the security sector. Understanding the unique challenges faced by vulnerable individuals, she has designed courses that equip participants with the knowledge, awareness, and skills needed to tackle threatening situations with more confidence and clarity.

Over the past decade, Joanna has collaborated with schools, charities, universities, and corporate organizations to promote personal safety and teach effective self-defense strategies.

Meet the Team

Women's Self-Defence Workshops & Certification Courses

Our weekend workshops are designed for females and provide hands-on experience in dealing with common attacks. For those who want to delve deeper into prevention and threat detection, we recommend signing up for our Certification Courses.

Next date: 7-8 of March 2026

Full Agenda