I once had a friend say she’d never learn self‑defence because, “nothing like that would ever happen to me.” Make of that what you will, evidence suggests that good-quality self‑defence training does reduce the risk of sexual assault and other forms of violence against women. It does not eliminate risk, and it definitely isn’t a guarantee of safety. Across studies* , women who take part in a well‑designed self‑defence course often show: Lower rates of certain assaults, espec

A funny thing happens when you know you can look after yourself: you walk a little taller. You don’t have to act tough; you move through the world with less fear, knowing that if you’re faced with a threat, you’re not helpless. Most sign up for self-defence classes because they’re afraid of something: past experiences, or a sense of vulnerability. You don’t magically become fearless, but your relationship with fear shifts. Intuition ramps up. It starts with trusting that gut

Back at it! This time, a new client, a recruitment company in North London. I always end a session with time for a Q&A. It is always a...