Date/Time Date(s) - 23/06/202612:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Categories
Register here: Defy: 2SLGBTQIA+ Self-Defence by Wen-Do Note: Location will be shared with registrants only.
Defy: 2SLGBTQIA+ Self-Defence Program Overview
Provided by Leslie Allin, Senior Instructor, Wen-Do
Defy: 2SLGBTQIA+ Self-Defence is a program for members of 2SLGBTQ+ communities (ages 10+) of all abilities. Our goal is to heighten their sense of self-trust and awareness of their environment. We offer age-appropriate information and resources to folks in your school, workplace, or community centre, facilitating discussions about healthy relationships, healthy body image, safer ways of travelling via public transit or in a private vehicle, and house safety, bullying, harassment, and sexual and physical assault. We offer information about assault and self-defence specific to trans and queer individuals.
As we focus on trans, non-binary, 2-Spirit, and queer safety and empowerment, we prepare participants to defend themselves both mentally and physically, and giving them the confidence to deal with the range of types of aggression they are most likely to encounter in real life. The techniques we teach are practical and easy to learn, and the learning environment is safe, supportive, and full of positive energy. Our format can be suited to your organization’s schedule. We offer introductory workshops as well as one and two-day courses. The full basic 15-hour course is generally conducted over two days or a series of five or six weekly sessions.
The physical techniques we cover are designed to be effective against larger, physically stronger attackers. They include blocks, strikes, releases from holds (arm holds, body holds, chokes, hair grabs, and situations where one is pinned to the ground), defences against weapons, and defences against more than one attacker. People do not need to be physically fit to learn Defy; we teach people to use their bodies as they are, and we are trained to offer alternative techniques and strategies to folks with physical limitations or disabilities. Verbal self-defence strategies examined in Defy include calming, reasoning, negotiating, distracting, surprising or confronting an attacker, depending on the situation. We also cover the most effective ways of directing any bystanders to help.
Our discussions are focused on knowledge and empowerment, and we approach these through an intersectional, feminist, anti-oppression lens. We debunk myths about sexual assault, relationship abuse, and harassment. We cover self-defence and the law, and safety awareness in a variety of situations (at home, work, or school, at parties or on dates, on the street, highway, or public transit, and while traveling). We also offer information on many community resources such as rape crisis centres, shelters, legal services, help-lines, and more. Defy: 2SLGBTQIA+ Self-Defence is taught by certified Wen-Do Women’s Self-Defence instructors. Wen-Do is a registered charity and the oldest self-defence organization in Canada taught by women, for women.