We’re here because domestic and family violence affects everyone in our communities. Most people who join our programs have lived experience of navigating domestic and family violence, or support some who does. Merri-bek City Council and the Conscious Combat Club (CCC) are partnering to bring you this free event. The CCC is a social enterprise that aims to empower women to reclaim their body, confidence and strength through trauma informed martial arts

Within the Conscious Combat Club, we strive to create a space where everyone can explore the joy of movement within an inclusive, trauma-informed and non-judgemental setting. We deconstruct our perception of what kickboxing looks like, so we can fully connect with our bodies and the present moment. This is something many of us may have struggled to do in the past, particularly for people who have experienced trauma. The CCC has welcomed all women including trans women and non-binary people who identify with womanhood. In particular, we have worked with women who are survivors of gender-based violence.

We would love to invite you to join us on December 2nd, when we will hold a kickboxing event at Glenroy Community Hub, where we will be hosting a free kickboxing class. This event welcomes people of all genders to join us during the 16 days of activism, to combat stigma and to connect with community.

Event Details

Time/Date: December 2nd 2023. Doors open at 2.20pm, the session starts at 2.30pm.

Location: Glenroy Community Hub, Wurundjeri Woi-Wurrung Country (50 Wheatsheaf Rd, Glenroy, VIC, 3046)

What to bring: You might be more comfortable in clothing suitable for exercise but there's nothing specific you need to bring.

Who is this class for: This class is open to all members of the Merri-bek community and friendly visitors. This will be an all-gender event. If you aren't comfortable training alongside people of all-genders, this event may not be for you.

Cost: Free

Session Plan

1. Presentation

Get to know the principles of trauma informed care that inform our practice at the Conscious Combat Club, and how to apply them to your activities during the 16 days of activism. Care for yourself by learning how to use kickboxing and movement to regulate your nervous system.

2. Kickboxing class

At the Conscious Combat Club, we teach kickboxing a little differently. All our classes are trauma informed. Therefore we request that folks refrain from discussions of self-harm and themes that may be distressing or triggering to other participants. We will not be able to undertake our regular intake process due to the open format of this session, but please do let us know if you have particular access needs.

We welcome all abilities at the CCC. This venue is wheelchair accessible with separate spaces available if you need to move into a quiet space at any time, for any reason.

Here's our class structure:

• Acknowledgement of country
• Battery check in and grounding
• Mindful stretching
• Basic kickboxing techniques
• Pound and ground (A gentle type of interval training to teach grounding)
• Mindful stretching 

Throughout the session we will invite you to notice the sensations of your body. 

We will consistently use invitational language to remind you that you are in charge of your session. You may opt out of anything you like. 

3. Debrief

Time to share about what we learned, what went well and what we’ll take from the session and into the 16 days. Learn how to stay involved with Conscious Combat Club in the future. 

4. Connect

Refuel after kickboxing with some snacks and refreshments. This is an opportunity to connect with other Merri-bek locals.

Benefits

In addition to raising awareness of an important cause, we hope this session will help you: 

• Express your emotions about the prevalence of gender based violence in our community and anything else
• Experiment with some basic kickboxing
• Practice connecting to body
• Practice agency and setting boundaries
• Come together with community

Accessibility

This event is wheelchair accessible. Kickboxing can be adapted for seated participation for those with and without wheelchairs. Please let us know if there are any access requirements that will enable you to participate in this workshop. 

About the 16 days of activism

The 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence is a global campaign led annually by UN Women . It runs every year from 25 November (the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women) to 10 December (Human Rights Day).  

During the 16 Days of Activism, communities around the world join the call to prevent and eliminate violence against women and girls. 

In Australia, to support the delivery of the 16 Days of Activism Grassroots Initiative, Respect Victoria has funded Safe and Equal to connect and build the capacity of local councils, Statewide Women’s Health Services and Women’s Health Services Prevention Partnerships across Victoria.