What is Her Ground?

Understand your body. Recognise your choices.
Find your ground.

Her Ground is a practical, women-led self-defence seminar developed from Empowering Ground’s Self-Defence Journey framework.

Across progressive learning modules, participants use beginner Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, practical movement and guided reflection to develop awareness, communicate boundaries, practise protective posture and build confidence in responding to challenging situations.

Women of different ages practising a self-defence wrist and elbow control in a Her Ground seminar, wearing Empowering Ground t-shirts

Beginner Friendly

Up to 20 participants

Tailored to your group

Women-led instructor

Designed for groups of up to 20 participants, Her Ground can be delivered at our partner gym, your community centre or your workplace.

Each seminar is adapted to the group’s experience and context, with an emphasis on consent, choice and respectful participation.

Participants can observe, modify or step out of any activity. No previous martial arts experience is needed.

Expression of Interest ↗

Supportive and beginner-friendly

Participate at your own pace, with activities adapted for comfort and ability

Learning that connects

Body. Emotion. Relationships. Choice.

Physical, emotional and relational literacy in practice, supporting awareness, connection and personal agency. Grounded in pedagogical principles and evidence-informed frameworks:

Physics

Balance, base and how movement works.

Anatomy

Body structure, alignment and protection.

Emotional response

Recognising pressure, pausing and responding.

What to expect

Build the tools. Explore how to use them.

Different stages. A shared foundation.

Understand

Before start, we’ll explore the Self-Defence Journey and the principles of awareness, boundaries, physics and anatomy that guide safe and effective responses.

Build the tools

Explore balance, base and protection through practical activities.

Apply the tools

Practise boundaries, protective movement and creating space in guided scenarios.

Take it forward

Reflect and connect your learning to everyday life.

Theory

→

Discuss

→

Apply

→

Reflect

What's included

Two women practising a wrist and elbow control in a Her Ground self-defence seminar, with another pair training in the background

Beginner-friendly movement

Guided self-defence practice

Situational awareness

Group discussions

Opportunities for reflection

Skills for life

Four women of different backgrounds in Empowering Ground t-shirts walking and laughing together outside

A clearer sense of personal space

Communicating with clarity

Practical protective responses

Tools for navigating uncertainty

A stronger sense of connection

Seminar Fees & Bookings

Book for your group

Arrange a private seminar for your workplace, community or group. Fees reflect group size, venue and delivery requirements. Contact us for a tailored quote.

Join an open seminar

Book and pay for your own place at a public seminar. Upcoming dates, per-person fees and online bookings will be available on our website.

Testimonials

Hear from our community

“I really enjoyed attending the Empowering Ground sessions. I learned valuable skills and techniques that can help me protect myself in different situations. The class was informative, empowering and enjoyable. It helped me build confidence, improve my awareness of my surroundings and feel more prepared to handle challenging situations. I would highly recommend this class to anyone wanting to learn self-defence and feel more confident and safe.

Professor Marina & Debra are amazing instructors, they created a welcoming and supportive environment where everyone feels comfortable, encouraged and empowered to learn. Thank you, Professor Marina & Debra, for sharing your knowledge and making such a positive difference!”

M.A., 25 years old · November 2026

“Amazing experience! It was great to be around like-minded women, learning to defend ourselves, and feel empowered at the same time. Marina and team truly deliver!”

A.D., 45 years old · October 2026

“The Self-Defence seminar was very interesting and informative. It taught us valuable techniques to protect ourselves in everyday situations, recognise potential dangers and respond with confidence. It was a great opportunity to learn practical skills and understand the importance of being aware of our surroundings and knowing how to defend ourselves.”

S.C.C., 41 years old

Her toolkit for life

More awareness. More options.

Body awareness, boundary communication, emotional regulation and confidence to make choices, alongside connection with other women.

Read our privacy & safety approach ↗

Three women arm in arm seen from behind, wearing black, purple and white Empowering Ground emblem t-shirts

Upcoming classes

Something empowering is coming

Registration for our upcoming classes opens soon. Stay tuned and get ready to join us on the mats.

Coming Soon

An instructor talking with a group of women of different ages in Empowering Ground t-shirts during a Her Ground session

Host Her Ground

Interested in a seminar for your company, team or community?

Tell us about your group and venue; we’ll discuss a suitable session, date and adaptations.