The goal of Defy is to heighten participants’ sense of self-trust and awareness of their environment. We offer information about assault and self-defence specific to trans and queer individuals. As we focus on trans, non-binary, 2-Spirit, and queer safety and empowerment, we prepare participants to defend themselves both mentally and physically and give them the confidence to deal with the range of types of aggression they are most likely to encounter in real life.

The techniques we teach are practical and easy to learn, and the learning environment is safe, supportive, and full of positive energy. The physical techniques we cover are designed to be effective against larger, physically stronger attackers. They include blocks, strikes, releases from holds (arm holds, body holds, chokes, hair grabs, and situations where one is pinned to the ground), defences against weapons, and defences against more than one attacker.

People do not need to be physically fit to learn Defy; we teach people to use their bodies as they are, and we are trained to offer alternative techniques and strategies to folks with physical limitations or disabilities. Verbal self-defence strategies include calming, reasoning, negotiating, distracting, surprising or confronting an attacker, depending on the situation. 

We approach our discussions through an intersectional, feminist, anti-oppression lens. 

Registrants will receive an email with additional information about what to wear/bring etc.