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. The research also tells us that LGBTQ communities face unique barriers and challenges to accessing inclusive support and well-being assistance, including within movement spaces. 

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.

We would love to invite you to join us on May 28th, where we will hold a kickboxing event in Melbourne CBD, where we will donate our $5 entry fee to the LGBTQ Domestic Violence Foundation. This event welcomes people of all genders to join us on this pivotal day to address the over-representation of LGBTQ folks experiencing domestic and family violence, to combat stigma and to connect with community.

Event Details

Time/Date: May 28th 2023. Doors open at 4.40pm, class starts at 5pm.

Location: Krav Maga Melbourne (176 Adderley Street, West Melbourne VIC 3003)

What to bring: We have gloves available but feel free to bring your own. We have hand wraps available for purchase, please bring cash! 

Who is this class for: This class is open to all members of the LGBTQ+ community and allies. This will be our first all-gender event. If you aren't comfortable training alongside people of all-genders, this event may not be for you.

Cost: Pay as you like. 100% of money from ticket sales will be donated to the LGBTQ DV Awareness Foundation.

Class Plan

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 technique (without a partner)
• Partner work with or without pads. 
• Pound and ground (A gentle type of interval training to teach grounding)
• Mindful stretching 
• Reflection

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. 

Benefits

In addition to supporting an important cause, we hope this session will help you: 

• Express your emotions about the prevalence of DV in the LGBTQ+ community and anything else
• Experiment with some basic kickboxing
• Practice connecting to body
• Practice agency and setting boundaries
• Come together with community

About LGBTQ+ DV Awareness Day

Held annually on 28 May, LGBTQ Domestic Violence Awareness Day is the first campaign of its kind in the world. Its inception in Australia in 2020 was a ground-breaking moment in history when it became the first initiative to spotlight domestic, family and intimate partner violence and abuse occurring in LGBTQ+ communities. LGBTQ Domestic Violence Awareness Day has grown to become a global event with hundreds of organisations and government departments from several countries recognising the day including England, France, Wales, the USA, Canada, Brazil, Ireland, New Zealand and the Netherlands.