LGBTQ+ Self Defence Classes

Empowering you to handle any confrontation.Learn confidence and the legal ramifications of performing self-defence. Birmingham LGBT is partnering with Resilience Self Defence, a vibrant self-defence club in Birmingham to offer the LGBTQ+ community the space to develop skills to enhance safety, boost confidence, and get a fun workout. We welcome everyone – all backgrounds, sizes, abilities, and we especially love beginners. This is an LGBTQ+ affirmative space. Our instructors have a proud history of supporting neurodivergent students, and offering a great environment for anyone else who doesn't fit the mould or worries about fitting in with the mainstream.​​These self defence classes will help you to understand the importance of avoidance, de-escalation, and prevention when contending with verbal or physical confrontation. We will also cover several techniques to help resolve some common scenarios where avoidance, de-escalation, or prevention has not been possible.Join us whenever you can — try it once or make it a weekly thing. Spaces are free to attend, but we do require you to book a ticket as spaces are limited. You will learn:An understanding of the ‘timeline’ of events, to know what to do and when Early ‘pre-fight’ prevention tactics and techniques to resolve confrontation before it escalates ‘Mid-fight’ tactics and techniques for if or when confrontation escalates in perceived danger and risk (or occurrence) of physical harm ‘Post-fight’ tactics and considerations to ensure a safe resolution to confrontation, including the legal ramifications of performing self defence You will need:Gym-style clothes, or loose-fitting, comfortable clothesTrainers or similar flat, supportive shoesWater bottle (we have a sink to refill it. )All equipment will be provided. There are only 20 FREE spaces available, so book your ticket now to reserve your space. Please get in touch if you are no longer able to attend so that we can re-allocate tickets to people on the waiting list. Please note: This self-defence workshop series is for people 18+ that identify under the trans/ non-binary/ gender questioning umbrella. ACCESSIBILITY:We want you to feel comfortable, so if you would prefer to bind/tuck, you are of course welcome to do so. However, listen to your body and take breaks if needed.Cisgender carers/ support workers who support trans/non-binary individuals are welcome to attend if needed – they do not need to reserve a ticket.The building is step-free access, has disabled toilets, and there will be a member of staff available to assist with opening doors if needed. While we do not have a specific ‘changing area’, attendees are welcome to use the toilets to get changed before/after the sessions if preferable. Our instructor is enthusiastic about supporting people of all abilities to develop useful self-defence skills. If you have any specific access needs or have any queries about the accessibility of these sessions, please email [email protected]