EMPOWERING FEMALE RUNNERS: SELF-DEFENCE WORKSHOP WITH MAIDENHEAD ATHLETICS LADIES RUNNING CLUB
Safety is a fundamental right, and for female runners, feeling secure while out on a run is essential. Whether training alone or in a group, awareness, confidence, and self-defence skills can make a significant difference in personal safety. Storm Family Martial Arts recently partnered with Maidenhead Athletics Ladies Running Club to deliver a specialized self-defence workshop, equipping runners with practical techniques and strategies to enhance their security and confidence while running.
Over the course of the workshop, participants learned vital self-defence skills tailored specifically for runners, including:
Situational Awareness – Understanding surroundings, identifying potential threats, and minimizing risk while running.
Effective Self-Defence Techniques – Simple yet powerful moves to escape from grabs, holds, and unwanted confrontations.
Verbal De-escalation Skills – Using voice and body language to deter threats and avoid physical altercations.
Escaping Common Attacks – Practical strategies to break free from wrist grabs, shoulder pulls, and other common attacks on runners.
The Buddy System & Route Planning – Best practices for running in safer environments and informing others about your route.
Understanding the Law – A breakdown of self-defence laws in the UK, including the use of ‘reasonable force’ for personal protection.
Fight or Flight Response – Understanding how the body reacts under stress and how to respond effectively in high-pressure situations.
The workshop was designed to be interactive and practical, allowing runners to practice self-defence techniques in a realistic and supportive environment. Through role-playing exercises and realistic scenarios, participants gained firsthand experience in applying these skills effectively.
It is important for runners to understand their legal rights when it comes to self-defence. We covered:
Section 76 of the Criminal Justice & Immigration Act 2008 – Explains the use of ‘reasonable force’ for self-defence.
Section 3(1) of the Criminal Law Act 1967 – Defines reasonable force in preventing a crime or protecting oneself from unlawful harm.
Necessary and Proportionate Force – Understanding that any force used must be necessary and proportionate to the threat faced.
The feedback from participants was overwhelmingly positive. Many runners shared that they felt more empowered and better prepared to handle potential threats while out on their runs. The workshop provided not just physical techniques but also mental strategies to stay calm and make quick decisions in potentially dangerous situations.
While we all hope to run freely without fear, the reality is that being prepared and aware can make a significant difference. This self-defence workshop equipped Maidenhead Athletics Ladies Running Club members with essential skills to boost their confidence and personal security.
At Storm Family Martial Arts, we are committed to empowering individuals through self-defence. Whether for schools, businesses, or community groups, our workshops are designed to provide practical, life-saving skills.
Interested in Self-Defence Training?
If you’d like to bring our self-defence workshops to your running club, school, or organization, contact us at info@sfma.co.uk to learn more about how we can help enhance safety and confidence in your community.
