Awareness, confidence and aggression. These were the three key elements of a self-defence approach highlighted at Community Development's Women's Symposium on Saturday, 22 August 2026 at the Brixton Multipurpose Centre.
The symposium brought together city-employed women for a day focused on empowerment, sport, wellness, leadership and personal growth. The programme also included a practical self-defence session aimed at equipping women with skills to protect themselves.
Sensei Shandré Bridle facilitated the session, emphasising the importance of awareness, confidence and using body and voice to protect oneself in potentially dangerous situations.
She is passionate about using self-defence to educate and empower women and believes that confidence and staying calm can make all the difference in a difficult situation. “There is always a way out if you don't panic," says Sensei Bridle.
Applying the 3-step self-defence approach:
- Awareness: Be aware of your surroundings at all times. Think about where you are, who is around you, what is happening and why. Avoid allowing strangers or potential attackers into your personal space.
- Confidence: Attackers may target people they perceive as vulnerable. Be alert and do not allow appearances or a seemingly friendly demeanour to lower your guard.
- Aggression: The element of surprise can work in your favour. If you are attacked, do not hold back. Your priority should be to create an opportunity to escape and run to safety. And use your voice to shout!
What's your secret weapon?
Danger happens when you least expect it and when you're isolated. A woman's best weapons and attacks to protect herself is her body and here is how it can be implemented.
- Elbow strike
- Throat strike
- Palm heel attack
- Kick knees and shins
- Bite and grabbing attackers' hair, ears or groin area
- Hammer fist
- Punching
What if you're pinned on the ground?
To assert control attackers might pin their victims to the ground. Here are a few pointers.
- Keep moving when pinned to the ground
- Look around for things you can use to help you: scream, sand, gravel, keys
- Look for the attackers' soft spots
- Look for opportunity to escape.
According to statistics on the South African Police Service (SAPS) website during the fourth quarter of the 2025/2026 financial year, from January 2026 to March 2026, a total of 12 590 sexual offences, 43 576 cases of assault with the intent to inflict grievous bodily harm, 48 715 common assault cases and 4 478 kidnapping cases were recorded.
For more information about women self-defence reach out to Sensei Bridle on 082 863 4879 who is based at a karate dojo in Randburg, Region B.
Written by Brümilda Swartbooi
25/08/2026
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