That was the first feminist fighters week!

Together with ten clubs and gyms in Vienna, Graz and Innsbruck, we could offer free trainings for FLINTA* (women, lesbians, intersexuals, non-binary, trans and agender people) in martial arts and self-defense from March 1st to 10th.

Thanks to everyone who opened their halls and dojos for FLINTA* training!

Thanks to all the feminist fighters who fill these rooms with so much FLINTA* power!

The feminist fighters week created visibility for FLINTA* in martial arts in the training facilities and online. Martial arts is still very male-dominated. Despite increased training opportunities for women, there are many people who have not yet found a place in these sports. In the training sessions of the feminist fighters week, participants could train together in a FLINTA*-exclusive setting. The participants emphasized that the FLINTA* framework was pleasant and the groups were very appreciative. The reception at the training facilities was also perceived as welcoming. The feeling of being taken seriously by the trainers and the acceptance of no previous experience were emphasized too.

The rarity of FLINTA* offers in martial arts and self-defense was discussed and was the reason for some to attend the feminist fighters week training. Trying out a type of martial arts or a new training facility was also mentioned as motivation for participation. Other motivating factors were fun, curiosity and new learning as well as the low threshold of the offer. Both trying something new and reactivating old sports experiences were mentioned: Half of the participants had no previous martial arts experience. Around 1/3 had experience in the discipline offered, 1/6 in another martial arts discipline.

There was grappling and stand up; punches and kicks were trained as well as throws and takedowns; sticks and knives were fought off as well as movement flowed to the rythm of the berimbau. From Boxing, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Capoeira, Judo and Karate to Kickboxing, Ninjutsu, self-defense and Taekwondo - the different disciplines give an impression of the diversity of Austrian martial arts offerings.  Both clubs situated in organized sports and commercially oriented gyms took part. The trainings took place in school gyms, own training facilites/own sport center.

For the gyms and clubs that made the feminist fighters week possible with their offered trainings, the campaign still continues in April. Their regular trainings are mixed or aimed exclusively at women. FLINTA* training classes like those offered in the feminist fighters week do not exist in Austria. Trainers and officials met in advance for a preparatory workshop to develop a common basis for the campaign and approaches to gender-sensitive training. In the follow-up workshop, experiences from the feminist fighters week will be reflected together. The shared learnings will be published in a handout.
 
We'll continue to promote #diversityinmartialarts - #jointhefight!