Coleraine Women’s Self-Defence Class Aims to Boost Safety and Confidence

Concerns about women’s safety are growing in Coleraine, and a local initiative is stepping up to make a difference. Annie Tizzard, a volunteer at Causeway Ryano, and Peter McClay, Head Coach and Senior Tactical Edge Instructor, are running a self-defence class designed specifically for women.

“With all that’s going on in Coleraine at the moment, Peter and I have been discussing different ways to hopefully make females feel safer in our community,” Annie explains. Their solution? A three-hour self-defence session that will teach women practical tactics to protect themselves in dangerous situations.

Taking place on Friday 7th, March at 18:30 at Score Coleraine (Team Ryano Causeway), the class is open to all women. The only requirement is a £10 donation, which will go towards fundraising for kids competing in the World Jujitsu Championships.

Why This Class Matters

Annie, who volunteers at the children’s jujitsu class and trains in 1-1 sessions herself, understands the importance of self-protection.

“I started training last year, mainly because I want to be able to protect myself if needed,” she says. “As a mother to a six-year-old girl, I also want to promote protecting herself if necessary.”

With recent concerns about women’s safety, practical skills like these can help women feel more secure.

“My own advice is to look out for one another,” Peter adds. “Encourage friends and family not to walk alone in the darker evenings or rural areas. Always let someone know where you’re going and carry a mobile phone with charge. Always use ETA ( estimated time of arrival) and always have a MOA (means of escape)."

The head coach highlighted the importance of understanding your surroundings to prevent attacks before they happen.

“Being aware of your senses - hearing, sight, touch - the people around you, alleyways, rural areas, and any potential escape routes is crucial,” Peter advises. “Don’t put yourself in a position where you’re cornered or unaware of where you are.”

He also highlights common mistakes people make in dangerous situations.

“Attacks happen very quickly, and our reactions need to be quicker! Blurring your senses, like wearing earphones or staring at your phone, can put you at risk. Understanding your emotions during fight or flight and your emotions is key. Attacks happen very quickly; our reactions need to be quicker!"

So, should more self-defence classes be available for women in the community? Absolutely.

“It’s important that we not only learn to defend ourselves but also teach upcoming generations that women can and will stand up for themselves,” Peter says.

And this class might just be the beginning. “We absolutely plan on doing more classes depending on the outcome,” he adds. “At Team Ryano Causeway, we have multiple trainers who can provide self-defence training in both 1-1 and group settings, from ages four and up.”

For now, this three-hour session is a great place to start providing the skills, confidence, and knowledge that could make all the difference in a dangerous situation.

What Will Participants Learn?

The session will cover essential self-defence techniques, focusing on:
✔ Grip breaking – how to release yourself from an attacker’s hold.
✔ Stance & distance – the best way to position yourself in an emergency.
✔ Strike areas – where to aim for maximum impact.
✔ Escaping from the ground – how to react if pinned down.
✔ Managing adrenaline stress – understanding the body’s fight-or-flight response.
✔ Using everyday objects – turning common items into self-defence tools.
✔ Personal safety tips – what to wear, how to move, and staying alert when out alone.

If you or someone you know is interested in attending, message Annie Tizzard or Peter McClay at Team Ryano Causeway BJJ MMA for more details.

“There’s a massive gap in the industry for self-defence classes, especially for women,” says Peter.

“You don’t have to be into fitness to defend yourself. Minimal striking can do maximum damage.”