SELF DEFENSE, PREVENTION & RESPONSE WORKSHOPS

Actionable, Effective, and Empowering Courses for

Schools, Companies, and Organizations.

Our energetic workshops consist of proven physical self defense techniques for the most common attacks, and data-driven attack prevention and response strategies. We empower students with the knowledge, skills, and confidence necessary to help them navigate safe and fulfilling lives.

1.5 Hours

The Classic Workshop

Learn the essentials- this course consists of 50 minutes of physical self defense training for the most common attacks, and 40 minutes of attack prevention & response training.

In Person & Virtual

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4 Weeks

Comprehensive Course

For a more meaningful, effective, and thorough experience. Consisting of four 50 minute classes- we learn self defense for three of them and spend the last class focusing on attack prevention and response training.

In Person & Virtual

Virtual womens street safety attack prevention workshop

1 Hour

Street Safety Workshop

Our complete Attack Prevention and Response Training. Consisting of 45 minutes of Street Safety strategies and 15 minutes of Q & A. No physical training.

In Person & Virtual

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In-House

Intensive Training Camp

For those who want to send select students to a more extensive training, you can sponsor them to join our in-house 8-week course. Consisting of eight 45 minute classes, we learn self defense for 7 of them, and spend the last class on attack prevention & response.

In Person & Virtual

Meet Your Instructor

Our workshops are lead by former MMA fighter Gemma Sheehan. Gemma accomplished an MMA record of 5-1, a Pan Am Gold Medal in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, and the top ranked spot for female fighters in Ontario before she hung up her gloves and started Girls Who Fight in 2017. Since then she has dedicated her life to bringing the life changing value of Mixed Martial Arts and Self Defense training to women in Canada and abroad. Now approaching 5 years in business, Gemma has reached thousands of women from the spheres of Fortune 500 companies, to the townships of South Africa, to Universities and local high schools, to First Nations Organizations, and many more. Besides her vast experience teaching self defense, what Gemma brings to every workshop like no other, is a contagious enthusiasm. To learn more about Gemma's journey, click here!

Self Defense
Content

The Classic Workshop

How to maintain a strong, defensive stance

How to create distance from an attacker

How to resist a pull or a push

How to defend strikes

Wrist grab defense

How to fall & stand up defensively

How to use strikes effectively: elbows & knees

4 Week Course

Everything from the Classic Workshop, plus:

Front choke defense

Waist grab defense

Ground defense

How to use kicks and punches effectively

In House Course

Everything from the first two, plus:

Hair pull defense

Advanced ground defense

Chokehold defense

How to defend against someone dragging you by the hands or legs

How to use submissions

Attack Prevention & Response Training

Situational Awareness

Learn how to be aware of your surroundings at all times. Awareness = response time.

Threat Response

Learn the three essential steps when responding to a physical threat: Delay, Draw Attention, and Fight Back.

Confident Presentation

Learn how to turn yourself into a high risk target through confident body language and assertiveness.

Attacker Psychology

Learn how an attacker plans their assault, and what their priorities are so that you can use this knowledge for your own prevention strategy.

Assessing Environments

Learn how to make a habit of assessing and avoiding high risk environments so you can proactively avoid dangerous settings.

Street Safety Rules

Learn the most important every-day street safety rules based on the facts.

"I had Gemma Sheehan teach three Virtual Women's Self Defense Workshops to students at Lambton College and she was amazing every time. Gemma has an amazing energy and is very passionate about the material she teaches. She taught the students practical self defense skills and provided them with a valuable lesson on street safety. All of the students who attended had nothing but amazing things to say about Gemma."

-Ashleigh Carrol | Sexual Assault Prevention Ambassador, Lambton College

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"For almost 10 years I have hosted an invite-only conference for clients, and I can say without hesitation that Gemma was one of the most engaging speakers we’ve ever had the pleasure of listening to. She was funny, candid, inspiring and heartfelt. Her story is both unique and universal, and my audience of business and marketing leaders were truly moved. Gemma is interesting, and inspiring."

-Neil Follet | President, Brightworks

"Since Covid it's been challenging to find activities that keep my Girl Guides engaged. Girls Who Fight kept popping up in Guiding groups, apparently Gemma's got a loyal following! We booked a 1.5 hr online self-defense training session and it was amazing. Everyone, even our shyest girls, participated fully, and Gemma took the time to watch each one on camera and give them all specific pointers and encouragement. She had them laughing and fully engaged from beginning to end. Highly recommend to any other Guiders out there looking for a great online meeting option for their girls."

-Melissa Brydges | Toronto Girl Guides

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"I just completed an 8-week Self Defense course with Gemma and feel confident that I have moves that I can use if I'm ever in a dangerous situation. During the course she was patient and so knowledgeable; she ensured all the participants knew the correct moves before progressing to the next lesson. I looked forward to every Wednesday night. Thank you Gemma!"

-Soula M. | Girls Who Fight Virtual Student

What You Get From Girls Who Fight

Effective Techniques

Our curriculum is developed from the tested techniques of Mixed Martial Arts. We only teach practical moves that will work for everyone, and against bigger opponents.

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Experienced Coaching

Our experienced coaches have taught self defense and attack prevention to thousands of people around the world.

womens and girls self defense workshops toronto

Holistic Approach

From how to avoid being targeted, to how to respond to a threat, to how to physically defend yourself, our students get a complete understanding of how to improve their safety.