T&C for tickets: NO same day refunds or moving tickets to another date UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES. If you can no longer make the class with less than 24 hr notice, it is YOUR responsibility to resell your ticket.
Avoid disappointments by being on time. Coaches reserve the right not to let you participate if you arrive later than 3:15 pm. Arrive at least 10 mins before 3:00 pm to give yourself enough time to get ready. We will start promptly at 3:00 pm.
Every week we reserve free spaces for people on a low income/unwaged, transwomen/transfems people and QTBIPOC. If this is you, and you can't get (or afford) a ticket, email at the.bender.defenders@gmail.com
Who are we?
We are Bender Defenders and these are our Muay Thai classes. In this environment queer and trans people come to train, make friends, have fun and explore their own strength through martial arts and partner work.
What to expect:
Expect a workout where you punch and kick all your pent up rage out. We will have a lot of fun hitting things. It's going to be sweaty, technical and at times hard.
After the warmup the class will be split into this intro and intermediate level.
In intro class you will learn all the basics of Muay Thai. You will not get hit in the face at this stage so no need to worry about that. You will be provided with pads to hit/kick and gloves to do all the hitting with.
General level class: bring gumshield as you might get hit in the face occasionally. You will practice more advanced techniques and sparring drills.
Every week we will go over different strikes, clinching techniques, movements and defences.
We approach exercise playfully and with community building in mind.
What you need to bring:
- Comfortable trainers. The venue has wooden floors, please bring trainers.
- Deodorant: this is a close contact sport, please be considerate of others by looking after your own personal hygiene. Shower before class if you can but if this isn't possible bring some deodorant with you. You can find more info on this in our code of conduct.
- Please bring/wear clothes you can exercise in and a water bottle.
- Make sure that you eat something (especially carbohydrates) at least an hour before the class, if you do not you might end up feeling unwell/dizzy/nauseous/sick/fainting.
- If you attend the intermediate level class you must bring a gumshield.
Class structure:
- Warmup (10mins) everyone together
- Introductions (names and pronouns) class is split by level
- Muay Thai training (strikes, footwork, defense) partner work (40 mins)
- Fitness/games (5mins) everyone together
- Stretching (5mins)
Everything you learn in these classes can be used in self defence, however we do not run these classes with the aim of having to defend ourselves in mind. As a community we are already very hyper-vigilant and we do not need reminders that we might be in danger.
Our approach to fitness:
Your best will always be enough. Please remember that it is okay and normal to find exercise challenging, it doesn’t mean you’re ‘bad at it’. It usually just means you’re pushing yourself or going out of your comfort zone. Be gentle with yourself when things feel difficult and only push yourself within your window of tolerance (we do not make assumptions about what that looks like because it is different for everyone). We appreciate that sometimes just turning up is an achievement (we’ve all been there).
Come as you are - you don't need to be ‘good at it’ or ‘be fit’. We understand everyone has their own relationships with bodies and exercise and these can often bring up complicated feelings from peoples past experiences. We avoid cultures of toxic masculinity and fitness in our classes. We do this by encouraging you to listen to your body, take breaks when you need it and try not to compare yourself to anyone else. You are not going to be the only one struggling with something! Many feel that way.
If you are struggling with something, give the coach a wave and let them know. We will suggest modifications or find another way to explain the movements to you.
We welcome queers of all abilities, particularly those who don't feel at home in mainstream gyms. We don't tolerate transphobia, fatphobia, ableism, racism or fascism.
NO COPS AND SOLDIERS IN OUR CLASSES.
ACCESSIBILITY:
- Mulberry Hall, located at St. Margaret's House on Old Ford Road in Bethnal Green (E2 9PL), features full step-free access. The venue has a narrowest door width of 87cm and provides accessible toilet facilities.
- Dog friendly
If you have any specific access needs please email the.bender.defenders@gmail.com