feminist fighters week manual - gender-sensitive training in martial arts

The “feminist fighters week” took place for the first time from March 1-8, 2024. The results of the campaign are now published in a manual presented at the Euro Games 2024. The manual is intended to support martial arts structures in reflecting on their own offerings and describes good practice examples from the Austrian landscape of combat sports, martial arts and self-defense.

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On the initiative of fairplay and the Feminist Fighters Union, clubs and gyms were invited to ten exclusive FLINTA* trainings around the feminist fighting day on March 8th. In Vienna, Graz and Innsbruck, training sessions were offered in the disciplines of boxing, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Capoeira, Judo and Karate to kickboxing, Ninjutsu, self-defense and Taekwondo. Click here for the campaign report.

“I'm really pleased that the project exists because there are so few people who are female or queer. Especially in martial arts, there is a lot of hesitation from FLINTA* people who are actually having a great deal of interest.”

In the run-up to and after the campaign week, female coaches and officials took part in workshops. The campaign was also evaluated by surveying the providers as well as training participants. The results and shared learnings are summarized in this manual.

The manual was presented as part of the discussion “The feminist fight” at the martial arts program of the Euro Games 2024 in Vienna. LINK VA report Already cited at the event, we are appreciating further distribution and discussions.

We wish you an inspiring read and look forward to your feedback as well as your own ideas and reflections on #diversityinmartialarts - #jointhefight!

The handout was developed by the fairplay prevention project in cooperation with the Feminist Fighters Union.