In August, This is ME® partnered with the Norris Academy to host a self defence session for women and girls (13+) in Hamilton as part of the Women’s Self Defence Network. The afternoon consisted of yoga and wellness opportunities alongside learning and practicing self defence techniques to empower women and girls to understand and harness their strength and feel safe.

With all female instructors donning pink This is ME® gi (traditional martial arts attire), the team at Norris Academy created a safe and inspiring space for females to learn self defence techniques (including breaking holds) in a supportive and inclusive female-only environment. With 20 participants, the day was a great success combining the opportunity for women and girls to learn new skills and meet new people to get moving with. 
 
Feedback from the day emphasised the value in the experience: “This workshop was incredibly valuable, informative, fun and genuinely empowering - so grateful for the opportunity and will definitely get my teen daughter to the next one you run,” said one participant. “Such a great day, well run and had heaps of fun while learning lots,” said another.
 
The This is ME® team are working with the Norris Academy and Women’s Self Defence Network to offer similar opportunities for women and girls in other communities of the Waikato region.