Stay Safe Workshop: Free Self-Defence Clinic for Women — Saturday, September 12
Stay Safe Workshop: Free Self-Defence Clinic for Women — Saturday, September 12
Most self-defence advice stops at “be careful.” That is not a skill, and it is not much comfort. What actually helps is having practised something, in a real room, with your own hands, before you ever need it.
That is what our Stay Safe Workshop is for. On Saturday, September 12, we are opening the Bank Street dojo for two hours of free, practical self-defence training for women and girls aged 12 and up.
What Is the Stay Safe Workshop?
Led by Shihan Suba and Sensei Makayla, this is a two-hour hands-on session built around situations that actually happen, not competition scenarios. You work through them with other people in the room, at your own pace, with instructors correcting as you go.
No experience is needed and no uniform is required. Come in comfortable clothes you can move in. If you have never thrown a strike in your life, this workshop was designed with you in mind.
What You Will Learn
The session is built on three areas, the same way we teach self-defence in our regular classes:
Awareness — Reading a situation early, noticing exits and distance, and trusting the instinct that tells you something is off. In karate we call this zanshin. Most incidents are avoided right here, long before anything becomes physical.
De-escalation — Voice, posture, and boundaries. How to hold your ground verbally, how to create space, and how to leave a situation that is heading somewhere bad without waiting to be certain.
Physical Skills — A short set of simple, high-percentage techniques: breaking a grip, creating distance, and where to strike if you have to. A few techniques drilled properly beat a long list you cannot recall under stress.
Who It Is For
The workshop is open to women and girls aged 12 and up, whether or not you train with us. Douvris students, parents, friends, coworkers, and complete newcomers are all welcome.
Come with a friend, a sister, or your daughter. Working through this beside someone you know makes it easier to start, and easier to keep practising afterwards.
Event Details
- Date: Saturday, September 12, 2026
- Time: 3:00 to 5:00 PM
- Location: DOUVRIS Bank Street Dojo
- Cost: Free
- Open to: Women and girls ages 12 and up
- Hosted by: Shihan Suba and Sensei Makayla
- What to bring: Comfortable clothing you can move in
Spots are limited. Call (613) 234-5000 or stop by the Bank Street front desk to confirm your place.