Self-defense, when women strike back …

86% of French women say they have been victims of at least one form of sexual assault or assault in the street *. It does not take more to fuel a feeling of insecurity in some. Would learning self-defense be a good way to get out of a situation of physical aggression in the street? We tell you everything!

* (source: IFOP 2018 survey)

Some see self-defense in an extreme way, generating a violent reaction. In reality, by practicing self-defense, it is not a question of performing a sequence of kung fu against your attacker but more simply of following his instinct for survival and protection with gestures as simple as they are mastered. Let’s be clear, therefore, practicing self-defense does not mean seriously injuring another person. Once this basic principle has been established, let us look at the subject: how to defend yourself in case of danger?

Self-defense in French, or self defense in English, is training first. The goal of this physical practice is to acquire the ability to master the techniques necessary for self-defense. From a legal point of view, self-defense is not a problem because this practice is considered to be self-defense. You have this right to protect yourself in the event of immediate danger.

How does self-defense work?

Self-defense is based on martial arts techniques or from combat sports, but does not constitute a martial art in itself. However, it can be considered a sport in its own right, as its learning is demanding (both physically and mentally).

Self-defense uses traditional Japanese martial arts techniques (aikido, judo) that allow you to work on Fundamental principles like the management of the safe distance, the balance and the direction of attack.

It also borrows elements from certain combat sports (boxing, wrestling, karate, taekwondo), which train participants to work on endurance, fatigue, pain, speed, as well as surprise management.

Self-defense also draws on application practices (ju-jitsu, krav-maga, Pencak Silat), which are centered on real-life simulations.

But there are several types of self-defense, as Margo Brunet, instructor of Penchak Silat based in Aix-en-Provence. Instructor of this Indonesian martial art of defense, Margo has been teaching and leading workshops for about 3 years for women. We count few female instructors in this type of activity, and this is one of the reasons why in Aix, more women than average push the door of their club.

Why engage in self-defense?

"The goal for these women who do not want to be confronted with violence is to be able to take self-confidence, while learning self-defense"Says Margo Brunet. She indicates that she distinguishes three types of participants.

First of all, some women wish to learn a useful physical activity. Others have experienced an assault and are therefore afraid to go out on the street. Therefore, these women mainly seek to feel reassured and safe when they go out. Finally, some women want to learn to defend themselves without having known aggression but take lessons "in case".

For those women who have experienced physical assault, "lConfidence is not won all at once, but over time they find out what they are capable of", Margo tells us.

Beyond physical learning, self-defense is worked on the mental level. The instructor of Penchak Silat often pushes them to their limits to (re) gradually gain confidence.

How does a self-defense course work?

According to Margo Brunet, a session starts with a time ofwarming up, as with all sports.

Then comes a phase of "conditioning", which is used to accustom the body to receive shocks. As time goes by, the contacts become harder and harder, but it is a closely supervised stage. This allows you to learn not only to react without being surprised, but also to realize that we can collect more than we imagine.

Following this, the participants will practice to perform strikes with the legs (kicks to the shin, knee, genitals) and / or with an open hand. However, care must be taken to maintain a position of "appeasement" as much as possible!

Then comes the time to learn elbow and knee strikes, which means reducing the distances between partners. As a general rule, you will mainly learn simple techniques in order to be as effective as possible during an assault.

Finally, the last part of the internship and not the least: the scenario. The objective is to work instinct from the techniques learned. For example, a participant stands in a circle and we simulate an attack from all sides, which allows you to learn to defend yourself in a group attack.

At the end of the course, the instructor debriefs the session. It is also the moment for the participants to ask questions and to debrief on what they have felt and experienced. At all times in the course, the instructor (or instructor, in Margo's case) tries to build confidence participants to make them as comfortable as possible.

Under what circumstances should you use self-defense?

However, it should be noted that the goal of self-defense is to do stop the attack as quickly as possible. The response must be proportionate to the attack, and it is only about self-defense when one is attacked first.

5 points are essential to recognize the different dangers:

  • Identify the aggressor (s) : In very many cases it is an adult male.
  • Identify suspicious behavior : is the potential aggressor looking at you insistently? Is he too close to you? Is he following you?
  • Knowing how to react in the event of an attack : Self-defense classes also allow you to work on the mental level, so as not to find yourself frozen in the face of an aggression. Just being able to react without a physical response can save you.
  • Identify emergency exits : When defending yourself in the face of an assault, you have very little time before your assailant starts fighting back. Those few seconds or minutes can get you on the run. This is why spotting exits is essential in order to get away from danger as quickly as possible.
  • Identify confined spaces : If you are being pursued, find a place where you know you cannot be reached. If your attacker still intends to attack you, immediately contact the 17 or 112 (free emergency number), or by SMS 114 if you are deaf, hard of hearing or having difficulty speaking.

Where to take self-defense lessons?

Self-defense courses help you acquire the necessary knowledge to defend yourself in case of danger, with or without weapon. In the case of using a weapon, you can learn to use pepper spray, a stun gun or a baton. We do not support this kind of defense, which we consider dangerous. In addition, it is always necessary to favor the recourse to non-violence when possible.

There are many institutions that offer self-defense courses:

  • Associations
  • Support centers for victims of domestic violence or rape
  • The universities
  • Fitness centers
  • The dojos
  • Fitness centers


To choose a self-defense club that suits you, in your research, take into account the age and gender of the members, the style of defense and the weapons used (if any).

According to Loïc Janvier, founder and teacher of the Evolutive Self Defense club, known in the community under the name of "Esd Loïc", specifies that "self-defense clubs are used to receiving victims of physical assault" and do everything to make you feel comfortable. Most often in a team, "learning basic techniques will allow you to take trust in you."

> In Paris, we recommend the club Ladies System Defense, which offers courses open to all women, sportsmen or not. Each is free to evolve at their own pace. 200 € for 10 courses.

> In Aix-en-Provence, Tenaga Silat, run by Margo Brunet, is one of the few addresses with an instructor. You can practice Penchak Silat there to learn how to defend yourself; a subtle martial art, which requires more agility than strength. Ideal if you have a small build! 35 € the course or 60 € for 2 people. 1st and 2nd free trial class.

> In Strasbourg, the very famous Scalable Self Defense offers self-defense courses open to all types of levels at a low price (€ 15), in addition to offering private lessons at a schedule that suits you. 30 € the private lesson.

> In Toulouse, Krav Maga Toulouse offers a free trial course to discover self-defense, a course intended for a female audience of all profiles and all body types. € 15 for the course or € 300 for the annual subscription.

Otherwise, in this directory, you will find the list of 733 self-defense clubs in France.

For further…

If you are interested in self-defense but are still hesitant to take the plunge, you can learn more about self-defense and the difference it can make for women who have tried the practice. We offer a small selection …

The aim of this book is therefore to offer self-defense techniques accessible to all, and more particularly to women who have never practiced martial arts.

A book that links the methodology of club teaching and the application in the field illustrated by images and explanations.