Feel safer, stronger and more confident

Join us for a practical, welcoming 90-minute workshop designed to help women recognise warning signs, communicate clear boundaries and learn simple ways to protect themselves and create an opportunity to escape.

Saturday, 22 August 2026 | 1:00–2:30 pm
Please arrive by 12:45 pm for check-in
Gracie Barra Hoppers Crossing | [INSERT FULL ADDRESS]

• Completely free to attend
• Designed for complete beginners
• No fighting, sparring or previous experience required

Places are limited to ensure safe instruction and personal coaching.

Confidence begins before anything becomes physical

Feeling safer is not about living in fear or preparing to fight everyone you meet.

It is about becoming more aware of your surroundings, recognising when something does not feel right and having the confidence to set a clear boundary.

It is also about knowing how to respond if a situation becomes physical—and how to create the space you need to get away safely.

This workshop provides a supportive introduction to those skills. You will learn practical principles that can be developed through continued practice, without exaggerated promises about what can be achieved in a single session.

What you’ll learn

Recognise problems earlier

Learn practical situational-awareness principles that may help you notice warning signs and make safer decisions before a situation escalates.

Communicate with confidence

Practise confident body language, verbal boundary-setting and clear communication under pressure.

Avoid and de-escalate

Understand how awareness, positioning and calm communication can help you avoid unnecessary confrontation and disengage safely.

Escape common grabs and holds and defend against general attacks

Learn beginner-friendly movements for responding to selected grabs, holds and strikes while maintaining balance and creating space.

Create an opportunity to get away

Explore simple principles for protecting yourself and making space when physical action becomes necessary.

Protect yourself on the ground

Learn basic ground-survival concepts, including protecting vulnerable areas, managing distance and working towards a safer position.

The purpose is not to win a fight or prove how tough you are. The objective is to recognise danger, avoid escalation where possible, protect yourself when necessary and create an opportunity to escape and get home safely.

This workshop was created for women like you

You are welcome if you:

• Have never trained in martial arts.
• Want to feel safer and more prepared.
• Would like to become more confident and assertive.
• Are returning to exercise after some time away.
• Want an active and practical way to reduce stress.
• Feel nervous about joining a regular martial arts class.
• Want to try something new without being judged.
• Are interested in meeting supportive women in your local community.

You can register and attend by yourself. Our team will welcome you when you arrive and help you feel comfortable.

You are also welcome to invite a friend, sister, partner, colleague or family member. Each person must complete an individual registration.

What to expect on the day

12:45 pm — Arrival and check-in

You will be welcomed by our team, introduced to the academy and given time to settle in before the workshop begins.

Welcome and safety briefing

Your instructor will explain the purpose of the workshop, the safety guidelines and how each activity will work.

Clear, progressive instruction

Each skill will be demonstrated and broken into manageable steps. You will have time to ask questions before practising.

Safe partner practice

Some activities involve controlled practice with a partner. You can attend with someone you know or be paired with another participant.

You will not be expected to spar or fight.

Questions and refreshments

The workshop will finish with time for questions and refreshments. You can also learn about continued training options if you would like to develop your skills further.

Participation is voluntary and can be adjusted to your comfort, fitness and ability. If you do not feel comfortable performing an activity, you may observe or speak with one of the coaches.

A professional and supportive place to begin

Gracie Barra Hoppers Crossing provides structured Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and martial arts instruction for the local community.

The workshop will be delivered through clear demonstrations, supervised partner practice and a safety-first approach. Our aim is to create an environment in which complete beginners can ask questions, learn at their own pace and feel supported from the moment they arrive.

Meet your workshop instructor

Learn from a coach who understands beginners

Coach Kerrie Marshal and Coach Sana Kamal at Gracie Barra Hoppers Crossing.  Both female coaches are ICP-certified instructors and is passionate about helping women develop practical skills in a safe, structured and encouraging environment.

Frequently asked questions

Is the workshop really free?

Yes. There is no cost to attend the 90-minute workshop. Registration is required because coaching capacity is limited.

Do I need martial arts experience?

No. The workshop has been designed specifically for complete beginners.

Do I need to be fit?

No. You can work at your own pace and adjust your participation where needed. You do not need to become fit before attending.

Will I have to fight or spar?

No. There will be no forced fighting or live sparring. Physical skills will be practised through structured, controlled partner exercises.

What should I wear?

Wear comfortable activewear that allows you to move freely. Please avoid clothing with exposed zips, buckles or hard fittings, and remove watches and jewellery before stepping onto the mats.

No martial arts uniform is required.

Can I attend alone?

Absolutely. Many women will be attending for the first time. Our team will welcome you and help you find a suitable partner for activities that require one.

Can I bring a friend?

Yes. You can invite a friend, sister, partner, colleague or family member. Because places are limited, each attendee must register separately.

Is there a minimum age?

The minimum age is 16 years of age. Participants under 18 may require consent from a parent or legal guardian.

What if I have an injury or health concern?

Please consult an appropriate healthcare professional if you are uncertain whether physical activity is suitable for you.

Tell our coaching team about any relevant injury, pregnancy, health concern or movement restriction before the workshop. Activities may be adjusted, but not every exercise will be appropriate for every participant.

Is there any obligation to join afterward?

No. The workshop is valuable as a standalone introduction.

We will explain continued training options for women who want to keep learning, but there is no obligation or pressure to join.

Where can I park?

Take a practical first step for yourself

In 90 minutes, you can begin exploring how awareness, clear boundaries and practical movement can help you feel more confident and prepared.

This workshop will not make anyone ready for every possible situation. It will give you a safe introduction to principles and skills that can become stronger through continued practice.

Places are limited because controlled partner practice requires appropriate space, supervision and individual support.

Saturday, 22 August 2026 | 1:00–2:30 pm
Arrive by 12:45 pm for check-in
Gracie Barra Hoppers Crossing 
Cost: Free

Registration closes when coaching capacity is reached.