Why We Don't Offer Female-Only Classes (and What We Do Instead)

One of the most common questions we get is: “Do you offer women-only self-defence classes?”

The short answer is: yes — occasionally. But our regular weekly classes are mixed, and that’s a very intentional decision.

We understand the hesitation. If you're new to martial arts or self-defence training, the idea of joining a mixed-gender class — especially as a woman — can feel intimidating. We hear that. We respect it. And we also want to be transparent about why we encourage training in a mixed environment.

This is one of our most important philosophical positions, and it's worth explaining in detail because it directly impacts the effectiveness of your training.

The Reality of Threats (And Why It Matters for Training)

Most real-world violence against women is committed by men. That's not a theory — it's a fact backed by data, police reports, and lived experience.

The Statistics That Shape Our Approach:

Physical attacks on women are predominantly committed by men (typically larger and stronger)
Domestic violence involves male perpetrators in approximately 85% of cases
Street harassment and assault usually involves male attackers
Workplace violence against women is most commonly perpetrated by men

This isn't about male-bashing — it's about realistic preparation. If you're training to defend yourself in real life, it makes sense to prepare for real-life scenarios. And that means learning how to manage and respond to threats from larger, stronger attackers — not just people your own size.

Why Size and Strength Differences Matter:

Technique effectiveness varies based on the size differential between you and an attacker
Timing and positioning become more critical when facing a larger opponent
Escape strategies need to account for strength disadvantages
Psychological pressure is different when training with someone significantly larger

Training only with people your own size can create a dangerous illusion of effectiveness that doesn't translate to real-world situations.

Why Mixed Training Matters

In a real self-defence situation, your opponent won’t be handpicked for your comfort. They won’t match your weight, strength, or cooperation level. That’s why we believe it’s essential to train with both men and women in a safe, controlled, respectful setting.

Mixed classes help you:

Understand how your technique works on different body types
Adjust your timing and positioning under realistic pressure
Build true confidence in your skills, not just comfort in practice

Avoiding a False Sense of Security

Women-only classes can feel empowering — and they absolutely have their place. But if you only ever train with partners who share your size, pace, and approach, you may develop a false sense of effectiveness.

What happens when you try to apply a technique to someone 40 kg heavier with faster reactions and a different kind of physicality?

We want you to discover that in training, not in an emergency.

What Our Mixed Classes Are Actually Like

Let's be clear: Mixed doesn't mean macho.

Our Training Environment:

Structured and controlled — Every interaction is supervised and purposeful
Ego-free and inclusive — No tolerance for showboating or intimidation
Respectful physical contact — All training is consensual and appropriate
Trauma-informed coaching — Instructors understand and accommodate different comfort levels
Progressive intensity — You control how much physical contact you're comfortable with

How We Ensure Safety and Respect:

Clear boundaries are established and maintained at all times
Instructors actively monitor all training interactions
Students are taught how to be respectful training partners
Any inappropriate behavior is addressed immediately
Women's comfort levels are prioritized and respected

What We Don't Tolerate:

Aggression or intimidation tactics
"Proving toughness" or showing off
Inappropriate comments or behavior
Pushing beyond established boundaries
Any form of harassment or disrespect

Our goal is to help every student — regardless of gender — feel safe, capable, and respected.

Common Concerns About Mixed Training (And How We Address Them)

"I'm Worried About Inappropriate Contact"

The concern: Physical training with men might lead to inappropriate touching or situations. How we address it: All contact is technique-specific, supervised, and consensual. Students learn appropriate training contact, and instructors monitor all interactions.

"I Don't Want to Be Overpowered or Hurt"

The concern: Male training partners might use too much force or not control their strength. How we address it: We teach controlled training from day one. Male students learn to adjust their intensity, and beginners always train with instructors initially.

"I'll Be Self-Conscious About My Performance"

The concern: Feeling judged or embarrassed about your skill level in front of men. How we address it: Our culture emphasizes learning over performing. Everyone started as a beginner, and mutual support is encouraged.

"Men Won't Take Training With Women Seriously"

The concern: Male students might not engage properly or treat female partners as fragile. How we address it: We teach that effective training requires good partners regardless of gender. Everyone benefits from working with different body types and skill levels.

Dedicated Women's Courses: A Starting Point

That said, we do offer women-only self-defence courses several times a year. We understand that some women need to build confidence in a single-gender environment first.

What Our Women-Only Courses Offer:

Confidence building in a comfortable environment
Basic technique introduction without the pressure of mixed training
Discussion of women-specific safety concerns and scenarios
Gradual introduction to the concepts and culture of our regular classes
Opportunity to ask questions without feeling self-conscious

What They Don't Offer:

Realistic size/strength differentials — You'll only train with people similar to your size
Complete preparation — They're a starting point, not a complete solution
Ongoing skill development — Limited to basic techniques and concepts
Regular training schedule — These are occasional courses, not weekly classes

The Transition Path:

Many women start in these courses and transition into our weekly mixed classes once they feel more comfortable. This is a path we fully support because:

You build initial confidence in a low-pressure environment
You learn our training culture and what to expect
You develop basic skills before facing more challenging training
You can make an informed decision about continuing with mixed classes

Why We Encourage the Transition:

Skill development accelerates when training with diverse partners
Confidence becomes more realistic when tested against different body types
Training becomes more comprehensive with regular weekly classes
Community connection deepens with consistent training partners

The Philosophy Behind Our Approach

Real Preparedness Over Perceived Safety

We want you to be prepared — not just protected during practice.

Training with a variety of bodies and personalities is how you develop the skills that hold up when it counts. It's how you build not just comfort, but competence.

Why This Matters for Women Specifically:

Confidence needs to be tested against realistic scenarios to be genuine
Techniques must work against larger, stronger opponents to be effective
Mental preparation requires exposure to the psychological pressure of size disadvantages
Real-world application demands training that mirrors real-world threats

Our Commitment to You:

We'll meet you where you are — starting with your comfort level and building from there
We'll train with care — always prioritizing safety and respect
We'll build real confidence — the kind that comes from proven capability, not just practice comfort
We'll create lasting skills — techniques that work when you need them most

Making the Right Choice for You

Mixed Classes Are Right for You If:

You want the most effective preparation possible
You're ready to be challenged in a supportive environment
You understand that discomfort during training leads to confidence in real life
You want to develop skills that work against any opponent

Women-Only Courses Are Right for You If:

You need to build initial confidence before mixed training
You want to ease into martial arts gradually
You have specific concerns about mixed-gender training
You prefer to start with basic concepts in a single-gender environment

Either Way, We Support Your Journey:

There's no wrong choice — only the choice that's right for you at this moment. Whether you start with women-only courses or jump into mixed classes, we're here to help you develop real skills and genuine confidence.

Conclusion: Building Real-World Confidence

The goal isn't to make training comfortable — it's to make you capable in uncomfortable situations.

The goal isn't to avoid challenge — it's to face controlled challenges that prepare you for uncontrolled ones.

The goal isn't to feel safe in class — it's to be safer in the world.

We believe mixed-gender training is the most effective path to real-world preparedness. But we also believe in meeting you where you are and supporting your journey, whatever path you choose to start on.

Ready to take the next step? Whether you're interested in our women-only courses or ready to jump into mixed classes, we're here to help.

👉 Book Your Free Intro Class — see our approach firsthand

👉 What to Expect in Your First Class at Shockwave Jujitsu

👉 Self-Defence for Women: Beyond Pink Whistles and Pepper Spray

Have specific questions or concerns? Contact us to discuss your situation. We're here to help — always.