Wen-Do is an organization dedicated to teaching women and girls effective verbal, physical and psychological means of self defence, based on the types of attacks that women are most likely to be subjected to. Our goal is to build on women's prior knowledge and increase their self confidence by teaching a variety of awareness, avoidance and verbal strategies. To accommodate the differences in women's size and strength, we employ simple, practical physical techniques that are designed to be effective even against a larger and stronger attacker. We believe that women can use their bodies effectively, as they are to resist or defuse violent situations. In this workshop we will discuss how our socialization affects our choices to resist and learn ways of using our voice and body to take action - including hits, kicks, blocks and releases from holds.

Deb Parent was a staff member with the Toronto Rape Crisis Centre / Multicultural Women Against Rape for over 20 years. She is a senior instructor with Wen-Do Women's Self Defence and a rebel without a pause.