In 2018, Eitan Krav Maga marked International Women’s Day with a free women’s self-defence Dulwich course. The event gave women real Krav Maga skills for safety and confidence.
On 8 March 2018, Eitan Krav Maga joined clubs from the Fédération Européenne de Krav Maga (FEKM). Together we hosted a free women’s self-defence Dulwich session at the Trevor Bailey Building on Dulwich Common. The course lasted several hours and focused on practical, reality-based techniques that women could use straight away. It helped women and teenage girls feel safer and more prepared in their daily lives.
A Community Event for Women and Teenage Girls
The International Women’s Day course welcomed women and teenage girls of all ages and fitness levels. No martial arts background was needed. The event introduced the basic principles of Krav Maga, focusing on awareness, prevention and simple movements to escape common threats. For many participants, this was their first experience of self-defence training.
We offered the training free of charge. Participants could also make voluntary contributions or buy T-shirts. Proceeds supported Krav Maga Women Protect (KMWP), a European programme that empowers women through self-defence education. This connection gave students a sense of being part of a much larger movement for women’s safety.
What the Training Covered
The course focused on 17 techniques chosen by KMWP. These techniques are simple, fast and instinctive. They do not rely on size or strength. Students learned to defend against grabs, chokes and wrist pulls. They also practised keeping distance, breaking free and escaping to safety.
We taught students how to stay alert, avoid risky situations and de-escalate threats. When escape was not possible, we showed them how to counter-attack quickly and create a chance to get away. The aim was not to turn women into fighters but to give them confidence and practical ways to protect themselves.
Why Krav Maga Works for Women
Krav Maga began as a system for the Israeli Defence Forces. Today it is widely taught for civilian self-defence. The system is direct, fast to learn and easy to apply. These qualities make it ideal for women’s self-defence Dulwich training.
Unlike traditional martial arts, Krav Maga does not rely on long routines or competition rules. It teaches simple actions that work under stress. During the 2018 event, students saw how quickly they could learn to protect themselves in real situations. That experience gave them confidence and a sense of control.
Supportive and Safe Learning
Our instructors created a friendly and supportive atmosphere. Complete beginners felt comfortable and encouraged. We broke skills into small steps and allowed plenty of practice. Students asked questions and worked together to build confidence.
Many women said they left the event feeling stronger and more confident. They realised that even a short session could make a real difference. This reflects the approach of Eitan Krav Maga: training should be safe, supportive and empowering for everyone.
Part of a Global Effort
The Dulwich event was one of many International Women’s Day sessions across Europe. FEKM schools ran events in different countries. Together, we showed the strength of the Krav Maga community and its commitment to women’s safety.
By supporting KMWP, the event linked local women in Dulwich to an international project. KMWP continues to raise awareness and provide self-defence training across Europe. The women who joined us in 2018 became part of this wider effort.
Community Support
Dulwich College Sports Club sponsored the use of the Trevor Bailey Building. Their support allowed us to run the event free of charge. This partnership removed barriers and made the course open to everyone.
Strong community support is vital for events like this. When local organisations back initiatives for women’s safety, more people can take part. The 2018 course was a strong example of what can be achieved through partnership.
Impact of the Event
The International Women’s Day 2018 event in Dulwich made a lasting impact. Many participants later joined regular classes and continued their training. They built on the skills they learned during the course and grew in confidence over time.
The event also raised awareness of Krav Maga in Dulwich. It showed how women’s self-defence Dulwich training can empower individuals and strengthen the community. Students saw that self-defence is not about fear, but about preparation and confidence.
Continuing Training Opportunities
The International Women’s Day event has passed, but the opportunity to train continues. Eitan Krav Maga runs regular classes, workshops and courses throughout the year. Our training remains practical, supportive and open to all women and teenage girls.
If you are interested in learning more, visit our classes page to see our current timetable. You can also reach us through our contact page to ask questions or book a place. We welcome new students and encourage everyone to try a free trial class.
By starting your training today, you can build the same skills and confidence that women gained at our International Women’s Day 2018 event. Join us and make women’s self-defence Dulwich part of your life.