Finding your strength again after experiencing domestic violence isn't just about healing emotionally: it's about reclaiming your physical power too. That's why we're excited to announce our partnership with WomenCentre to bring you free kickboxing sessions designed specifically for survivors throughout 2026.
These aren't just fitness classes. They're a pathway to rebuilding confidence, connecting with other women who understand your journey, and discovering the incredible strength you've always had inside you.
Why Kickboxing for Survivors?
When we talk about recovery and empowerment, physical activity plays a crucial role that often gets overlooked. Kickboxing offers something unique for survivors: it combines the benefits of exercise with the empowering feeling of learning self-defence skills, all within a completely safe and supportive environment.
Research consistently shows that physical activity helps process trauma, reduces anxiety, and rebuilds the connection between mind and body that abuse often damages. But kickboxing goes further. Every punch thrown and kick executed becomes a statement: "I am strong. I am capable. I matter."
The women who attend these sessions often tell us that the first time they hit the pads, something shifts inside them. It's not about aggression or violence: it's about channelling energy positively and remembering what it feels like to feel powerful in your own body again.
What Makes Our Program Special
Our kickboxing sessions at WomenCentre are carefully designed with survivors in mind. We understand that traditional fitness classes might feel overwhelming or triggering for women who've experienced domestic violence. That's why every aspect of our program prioritises safety, understanding, and gradual empowerment.
The classes are women-only spaces, creating an environment where you can focus on yourself without worry. Our instructors are trained to work with survivors, understanding that some days you might feel strong and ready to tackle anything, while other days you might need to take things more gently.
We focus on:
- Building physical strength and fitness gradually
- Learning basic self-defence techniques that boost confidence
- Creating connections with other women on similar journeys
- Developing stress-relief techniques through physical activity
- Celebrating every small victory and progress made
The beauty of this program lies not just in the physical benefits: though you'll definitely notice improvements in your fitness, strength, and energy levels: but in the community it creates. Many of our participants have formed lasting friendships and support networks that extend far beyond the gym.
Your 2026 Schedule
We're running regular sessions from January through October 2026, giving you consistent opportunities to attend throughout the year. All sessions run on Mondays from 1:30pm to 2:30pm at WomenCentre.
January 2026:
- Monday 5th January
- Monday 12th January
- Monday 26th January
February 2026:
- Monday 2nd February
- Monday 9th February
- Monday 23rd February
March 2026:
- Monday 2nd March
- Monday 9th March
- Monday 23rd March
- Monday 30th March
April 2026:
- Monday 20th April
- Monday 23rd April
May 2026:
- Monday 4th May
- Monday 11th May
June 2026:
- Monday 1st June
- Monday 8th June
- Monday 15th June
- Monday 29th June
July 2026:
- Monday 6th July
- Monday 13th July
- Monday 27th July
August 2026:
- Monday 3rd August
- Monday 10th August
September 2026:
- Monday 7th September
- Monday 14th September
- Monday 28th September
October 2026:
- Monday 5th October
- Monday 12th October
The flexible schedule means you can attend as many or as few sessions as feels right for you. There's no pressure to commit to every session: we understand that recovery isn't linear, and some weeks might be harder than others.
What to Expect in Your First Session
Walking into any new environment can feel daunting, especially when you're rebuilding your confidence. We want you to know exactly what to expect so you can arrive feeling prepared and comfortable.
Each session begins with a gentle warm-up that gets your body moving without being too intense. We'll introduce you to basic kickboxing movements: punches, kicks, and defensive stances: all at your own pace. You'll never be pushed beyond what feels comfortable for you.
The focus is on technique rather than power, especially in the beginning. You'll learn proper form, which not only prevents injury but also builds that crucial mind-body connection. As weeks progress, you'll notice yourself getting stronger, more coordinated, and more confident in your movements.
What many women find surprising is how quickly the stress-relief benefits kick in. There's something incredibly therapeutic about focusing completely on your movements, your breathing, and the rhythm of the workout. For that hour, many participants tell us, their minds finally quiet down from the constant worry and hypervigilance that often follows trauma.
Building Community and Connection
One of the most powerful aspects of our kickboxing program is the community it creates. When women who've experienced similar challenges come together in a supportive environment, something magical happens. Isolation, which is such a common experience for survivors, begins to lift.
You'll find yourself surrounded by women who understand without needing explanations. They get why certain sounds might make you jump, why you prefer to face the door, or why some days you feel strong while others feel overwhelming. This understanding creates bonds that often extend far beyond the gym.
Many of our participants have formed study groups, coffee meet-ups, and even small support circles that continue throughout the week. The friendships formed here are built on shared strength rather than shared trauma, creating positive connections that support ongoing healing.
How to Join
The best part about this program? It's completely free when you join WomenCentre. We believe that cost should never be a barrier to accessing support and empowerment opportunities.
To get started, simply contact WomenCentre to learn about their membership process. Membership gives you access not only to our kickboxing sessions but to their full range of support services and community programs.
You don't need any previous experience with martial arts or even regular exercise. You don't need special equipment beyond comfortable clothing and trainers. Most importantly, you don't need to feel "ready" or "strong enough": that's exactly what these sessions are designed to help you build.
Taking That First Step
We understand that taking any new step can feel overwhelming when you're recovering from domestic violence. The idea of joining a new program, meeting new people, and trying physical activities might bring up mixed feelings: excitement alongside anxiety, hope alongside fear.
These feelings are completely normal and valid. Every woman who's walked through our doors has felt some version of these emotions. The difference is what happens once you're there: surrounded by understanding, support, and the gradual recognition of your own incredible resilience.
Your healing journey is unique to you, and these kickboxing sessions are just one tool that might support that journey. Whether you attend every session or just try one to see how it feels, you're making a choice to invest in yourself and your future.
If you're reading this and feeling even a small spark of interest, that's your inner strength speaking. Trust that voice. It's led you this far, and it knows what you need to keep moving forward.
Ready to discover what you're capable of? Contact WomenCentre today to learn more about joining and securing your place in these empowering sessions. Your strongest self is waiting: and we can't wait to help you find her.
For more information about our community programs and support services, visit New Direction Services CIC or explore our range of self-defence programs designed to empower and support women in our community.