T&C for tickets: Admin does not issue refunds within 24h of the event UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES. If you can no longer make the class with less than 24 hr notice, it is YOUR responsibility to or resell or transfer your ticket to another date.
More about T&C below
THIS IS A COMBAT CLASS WHERE PARTICIPANTS WILL BE PHYSICALLY HITTING EACH OTHER. yes really.
Your participation is entirely up to the lead coach. If you turn up without an invitation you will be asked to leave.
If your goal is to spar get in touch and we'll help you get there.
Email: the.bender.defenders@gmail.com
Buy a gum shield. No gum shield = no sparring.
In this class you will learn how to fight by practicing on each other what you learn in the classes. We are looking for CONTROLLED VIOLENCE. You are expected to control your power but still become comfortable hitting and being hit.
Leave your ego at the door.
Coaches have the right to ask you to stop sparring and leave if they believe that you are being unsafe.
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
Before you book, please take a look at the T&C.
What to expect:
You will practice everything you learnt in the other classes. Overall we approach sparring playfully and respectfully.
The aim of this is to really push yourself out of your comfort zone and learn to think and respond when under pressure.
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 hypervigilant and we do not need reminders that we might be in danger.
The class consists of:
- Warmup (10mins)
- Technique
- Sparring drills
- Freestyle sparring
- Stretch
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).
We avoid cultures of toxic masculinity and fitness in our classes. We do this by encouraging you to listen to your bodies, 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.