Toronto Women’s Self Defence

Unleash your Power with practical and proven training

Self-defence is the ultimate form of self-care. Build the strength, skills, and situational awareness to protect the life you love.

REGISTER FOR CLASSES
Women learning self-defence

Replace Anxiety with Awareness

Many women live with a low-level background noise of anxiety—checking the backseat, clutching keys in the parking lot, or crossing the street to avoid a shadow. We teach you to replace that hyper-vigilance with situational awareness. You will learn to spot red flags early, trust your intuition, and project the kind of confidence that tells a predator, "Not this one. Not today."

START TRAINING
Two women practicing martial arts in a gym, one holding focus mitts and the other with fists raised in a fighting stance, with other people in the background.

Technique Over Size

The biggest lie women are told is that they are too small to defend themselves. At our North York studio, you’ll join girls and women training to become a force to be reckoned with. You will learn leverage-based techniques that allow you to break holds, escape chokeholds, and neutralize larger aggressors. This isn’t about trading punches; it’s about using your body’s natural weaponry to inflict immediate damage and escape safely.

START TRAINING

Live a Bigger Life

Self-defence isn't just about surviving an attack; it's about what you do with your one precious life. When you know you can handle the worst-case scenario, the world opens up. You stop shrinking yourself to fit into "safe" spaces. You walk, travel, and live with the unapologetic freedom that comes from knowing you are your own best protector.

START TRAINING

Why we do this
(A note from our owner)

As a female martial artist and owner of a martial arts school, I used to be baffled that self-defence training is an afterthought for MOST women (and parents of girls). If they do train, it's viewed as something to "fit in" during the off-season between dance and competitive gymnastics, instead of an essential, like swim lessons are for many.

My personal life experience includes childhood physical abuse, s3xual assault on public city transit, and domestic violence, all before I turned 21. Building confidence and learning to protect myself has been a transformative and healing experience.

And I know I'm not alone. Reported violence against women affects approximately 1 in 4. MANY more incidents go unreported. I have never met a woman who hasn't been afraid or victimized at some point in her life.

I couldn't understand: Why do so many women accept this? Why do moms not want something different for their daughters?

And then I realized: they don't train because they believe it won't matter. This is what fear does. It paralyzes from taking action. It has created a collective victim mindset of inaction and acceptance.

So here's what you need to know: every female who trains in martial arts is a force to be reckoned with. Taekwondo, Krav Maga, Boxing, Jiu Jitsu-all potential routes to become our own protectors. But we won't be able to find this path while we are blinded by fear. It is love that opens our eyes to find our own power.

Love is a more powerful motivator than fear. Love of life, of people, of health. Love of how it feels to have a strong body and mind.

I am so proud that 40% of House of Combat students are girls and women. We're teaching how to choose love over fear and faith over hopelessness.

I want you to believe in yourself. I believe in you.

Avigayil Basser

Co-Owner & Director, House of Combat

Training That Fits Your Life

Safe Environment: Train in a safe and supportive space with other women and girls (Ages 12+).

Expert Instruction: Classes are taught by Joel Gelfand, who has 30+ years of experience empowering women with reality-based skills.

Flexible Schedule: Join our dedicated Women’s Classes on Sundays at 12 pm & Thursdays at 9:30 am or integrate into our co-ed program when you feel ready.

Reviews for women’s self-defence classes

  • Screenshot of a positive Google review about Krav Maga classes at House of Combat, praising the instructors and management for their approachability and comprehensive training.
  • Screenshot of a 5-star Google review by Ellen, praising a Krav Maga self-defense training. Ellen highlights the skilled instructor, Joel, and mentions the class's welcoming environment and diverse experience levels. She also commends the program's organization and communication by Avigayil.
  • A positive 5-star review by Sarah K about learning Krav Maga at the House of Combat. She praises instructors Joel, Avigayil, and Chaim for their welcoming and patient teaching approach, fostering a friendly and clean atmosphere. Sarah mentions gaining confidence despite being new to the training.
  • Google review by Laurie P praising House of Combat, highlighting welcoming atmosphere, valuable skills learned, increased confidence, accommodating instructors, and recommending Krav Maga and BJJ classes.
  • Screenshot of a 5-star review for HOC Krav Maga. The reviewer praises the knowledgeable and patient instructor, Joel, and mentions a warm, friendly class environment with strong community vibes. Highlights include small class sizes, flexible memberships, and helpful staff. The reviewer recommends it highly.

Frequently asked questions

  • We also offer a full schedule of co-ed self-defence classes. We are proud to say that many women feel comfortable attending these so there are always female training partners you can work with.

  • Our women’s specialty classes are for girls and women ages 12+

  • Yes! Our women’s self-defence classes are beginner-friendly.

  • Women’s Krav Maga classes are taught Joel - our founder and head instructor. Joel is mindful and experienced and has been teaching girls and women how to protect themselves for over 30 years.

“Self-defense is not just a set of techniques; it’s a state of mind, and it begins with the belief that you are worth defending.”

— Rorion Gracie