About Wen-Do

Who we are

Wen-Do Women’s Self Defence is a registered charity and the oldest women’s self defence organization in Canada. Our fifteen-hour Basic course covers a wide variety of physical and verbal self-defence techniques, awareness and avoidance of threatening situations, and discussions of psychological, social, and legal issues involved in self-defence. All of our classes are taught by women, for women and girls.  Classes are open to anyone whose lived gender identity is that of a woman or girl (whether cis or trans), aged 10 and up, of any level of physical ability.

What we teach

Physical techniques 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. Women do not need to be physically fit to learn Wen-Do; we teach women to use their bodies as they are, and our instructors are trained to offer alternative techniques and strategies to women with physical limitations or disabilities.

Verbal self-defence strategies examined in the class include calming, reasoning, negotiating, distracting, surprising or confronting an attacker, depending on the situation. We also look at the most effective ways of calling on bystanders, if any, for help.

Discussion topics include sexual assault; relationship abuse; harassment; self-defence and the law; and safety awareness in a variety of situations (at home, work, or school; at parties or on dates; on the street, highway, or public transit; and while travelling). We also offer our students information on many community resources such as rape crisis centres, women’s shelters, legal services, and more.

In addition to Wen-Do classes, certified Wen-Do instructors are also available to teach these techniques and lead discussion on gender-based violence in our Defy: Trans+ Self-Defence classes. These classes are open to all members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community ten years and older, and of all abilities. Some people who are both women identifying and members of the queer or trans community may choose to go to either a Wen-Do or Defy: Trans+ class.

Why take a course

In a Wen Do or Defy: Trans+ course, participants will:

• Learn simple, powerful physical self-defence skills
• Explore a range of effective verbal self-defence strategies
• Develop their ability to recognize and deal with threatening situations
• Increase their confidence
• … and have fun!

Our instructors undergo rigorous training and apprenticeship before being certified to teach and must re-certify every year. This training includes a strong emphasis on ensuring the physical safety and emotional comfort of participants. Participants complete written evaluations of every course, to assist Wen-Do in maintaining its high standard of teaching.

Our clients