Empowering Confidence Through Self-Defence
Towards the end of the Michaelmas Term, RGS Worcester was delighted to welcome Gulshen Bano, owner and Head Coach at Strike Back Self Defence, to lead a self-defence workshop for female Sixth Form students. Gulshen, a Krav Maga expert, brought her passion for empowering women and girls to our school, sharing practical skills designed to boost confidence and personal safety.
Since its inception, Strike Back Self-Defence has transformed the lives of over 10,000 women and girls by equipping them with simple yet effective techniques for staying safe. Emphasising empowerment, the workshop introduced students to dynamic skills such as striking, kicking, and assertive communication while developing discipline, self-belief, and awareness.
Gulshen’s journey into self-defence began with a personal mission to protect herself and her two children. With no prior martial arts experience, she sought a system that was straightforward to learn yet effective in real-life situations. After discovering the benefits of Krav Maga—both in terms of essential safety skills and personal confidence—she committed to helping others through Strike Back. Today, she leads an all-female team of certified instructors who are dedicated to providing inclusive programmes for women and girls of all ages and abilities.
The workshop also highlighted Krav Maga’s unique approach. Developed in the 1930s by Imi Lichtenfeld, Krav Maga is a modern, reality-based self-defence system that combines techniques from boxing, wrestling, and other combat sports. It focuses on practical skills for real-world scenarios, teaching participants how to protect themselves and make confident decisions under pressure.
In addition to teaching self-defence, Gulshen’s mission extends globally. She partners with charities such as Hopefull Handbags and collaborates with organisations like the West Midlands Police to support domestic violence survivors and promote safety.
The students who attended the workshop gained invaluable insights into personal safety and self-confidence. We are grateful to Gulshen for sharing her expertise and inspiring the next generation to stand strong and stay safe.
For more information about Strike Back Self Defence, visit their website to learn about their mission to empower women and girls worldwide.