History of Self Defence

1. Victorian "Ju-Jutsu Suffragettes" (Early 1900s) 

During the women's suffrage movement in Britain, suffragettes were often met with violent opposition from police and anti-suffrage groups. To protect themselves, many trained in ju-jutsu, a Japanese martial art. A woman named Edith Garrud became one of the first female martial arts instructors in the UK and trained a group called the "Bodyguard"—a secret team of women who protected suffragette leaders like Emmeline Pankhurst from arrest. 

2. The Rise of Women's Self-Defence in the 1970s 

With the rise of the women's liberation movement, self-defence became a symbol of empowerment. Books, workshops, and martial arts schools began teaching practical defense techniques to help women fight back against gender-based violence. Groups like Take Back the Night incorporated self-defence training into their activism. 

3. Bartitsu: The Forgotten Mixed Martial Art (Late 1800s) 

Bartitsu was a self-defence system developed in London in the late 19th century by Edward William Barton-Wright. It combined boxing, jiu-jitsu, cane fighting, and savate (French kickboxing). Women, particularly from the upper classes, took lessons to protect themselves from street crime in an era when "garrotting" (choking robberies) was common. 

4. Empowerment Self-Defence (ESD) Movement 

Over the past few decades, the Empowerment Self-Defence (ESD) movement has gained prominence. Originating over 40 years ago, ESD was designed by women for women, focusing on holistic violence prevention strategies within safe spaces. This approach emphasizes not just physical techniques but also verbal and psychological strategies to prevent and respond to violence. 

5. Integration into Feminist Movements 

The feminist self-defence movement of the 1970s emerged from the anti-rape and battered women's movements. Grassroots groups, many led by survivors, established rape crisis centers and shelters, incorporating self-defense training as a tool for empowerment and protection.