Adborth Physical Empowerment

Since starting the monthly women's self defence classes with Philippa my self confidence has gone up tremendously.

We are reminded multiple times each session that we are worth protecting, and I believe this has helped my mindset change from hiding away and letting others take advantage, to now being able to stand up for both myself and others when needed. It was mind opening that self defence is not just about the physical but also about the mental aspects and that standing up for yourself is not you being aggressive but assertive.


The positives I found during the course:
It was a safe space and you were not forced to take part if you felt uncomfortable, the people were in focus and if anyone needed time away or someone to talk to there was always someone available.

Each move was broken down and shown multiple times, and it was explained why someone might need the move and how to do it safely to avoid the most amount of damage to ones self.

Being reminded that you are worth fighting for. not just for those around you that rely on you but for yourself as well. Everyone should feel worthy of love and time.

It helped change my mindset by using the whiteboard and have everyone share their thoughts on what each thing was and learning about some of the theories behind self defence.


The moves I believe helped me feel safer:
"wrist grabbing": being able to get out of someone grabbing my wrist made me feel so strong and capable within myself, and is one of the fears I used to carry around, it was also interesting when looking at why the move was so effective, due to the one hand grabbing always having a weak point where the fingers connect, this allowed me to understand other moves and where the weak points were.

laying on the ground and kicking: Knowing how little it takes to keep someone away from my personal space, even if I was laying on the ground and they tried to get above me.

Hair pulling: this was one that I struggled with due to my own past, it helped me stand up to some of my trauma and learn what I can do if it ever happens again. It can feel really daunting when someone grabs your hair due to how
much it can hurt your scalp, so knowing how to alleviate some of the pain allows you to fight back and get home safe.

Clothes pulling: this move showed how little it can take to surprise someone attacking you, and how you make yourself have the upper hand if ever in the situation.

All of these moves are great by themselves, but one of the things the team did well was show how you can use each move by themselves, but also together to give you the highest chance at getting home safely.

There is no right or wrong way when it comes to defending yourself and keeping yourself safe if someone attacks you.


This course changed my life from feeling small, a burden and only here to do things for others, to now learning I am worth more than last place in my own life, I can do big things and will believe the people that say otherwise.
I believe it can chance the lives of many women in the future, and bringing back the smiles of many in the same way it did for me.

I now remind other people that they are worth protecting.

Thank you for giving me back my life.

Mette
May 2025