If you are looking at self defence classes for women in Reading, you have probably noticed that some clubs offer women-only sessions. At M-Power Krav Maga our classes are mixed, and we think that is one of the best things about them. Almost half of our members are women, and many of them were nervous about walking into a room with men they had never met.
This post explains how we make that first step feel safe, fun and why training alongside men can make your self-defence stronger.
Safety comes first, every session
We take pride in being a safe and welcoming community. That starts with the people running the class.
- Every one of our instructors is enhanced DBS checked, and the wider team is DBS checked too.
- The club is fully insured by the British Combat Association.
- Everyone is coached on how to train safely with a partner, and nobody is ever pushed to do more than they are comfortable with.
You can read more about the people who teach you on our team page.
Your first steps: slow integration, a female instructor and an ambassador
We never throw anyone in at the deep end. When you join us as a woman, three things help you settle in:
- A female instructor. Our club is led by Niki, an IKMF Expert level 2 instructor and the UK’s highest-ranking female Krav Maga instructor. You will not be the only woman in the room, and you will not be taught by someone who has never stood where you are standing.
- An ambassador. One of our club ambassadors will look after you in your first sessions, partner with you and answer the questions you might not want to ask in front of the group.
- Slow integration. You start by training with people you feel comfortable with. As your confidence grows, you will work with a wider range of partners, at your own pace.
If you want to know exactly how a first session runs, our guide to what to expect at a trial class walks you through it.
The benefits of training in a mixed class
You practise against the kind of person most likely to attack you
The honest truth is that most attackers women face are men, and they are usually bigger and stronger. Practising your defences only with partners your own size will not prepare you for that. In a mixed class you feel what it is like to deal with a heavier, stronger partner, in a controlled and supportive setting, so the real thing is less of a shock.
You get to know men who want women to feel safe
The men who train with us want the women in the room to feel safe. They hold pads for you, give you honest resistance when you ask for it, and celebrate when you get a technique right. For many of our members, that experience changes how they feel about being around men outside the club too.
You find out what you are capable of
There is nothing like escaping a grab from a partner who is twice your size to show you that technique and timing matter more than strength. Women often learn faster than they expect, something we explain in our beginner’s guide to self-defence.
You train with the same skills as everyone else
In a mixed class nothing is watered down. You learn the same techniques, drills and scenarios as every other member, and you grade on the same standards.
You join a real community
Our members come from all ages and backgrounds. Training together builds trust quickly, and many of the friendships made on the mat carry on long after class.
Questions women ask before their first class
Will I be paired with men straight away?
No. You start with a partner you feel comfortable with, often your ambassador or another woman, and widen your partners as your confidence grows.
Is it safe for complete beginners?
Yes. Everyone in our classes started as a complete beginner, and we build your skills step by step with safety briefings and close coaching.
Do I need to be fit?
No. You set your own pace, and we adapt exercises to your abilities, injuries and limitations.
Can I bring a friend?
Of course. Many women start with a friend, and it is a great way to settle in. The good news is if you both become members, we will also give you a little friends discount.
Book your £10 trial class
We run classes in Reading and Caversham on Monday, Thursday and Saturday. Choose the session that suits you on our classes page and book your £10 trial there. If you would like to talk it through first, message us and we usually reply the same day. For a wider look at what is on offer in town, see our guide to self-defence classes in Reading.
M-Power. Your best defence starts here.
