You might have been reading about the annual “Red Belt Challenge” ; 12 weeks of “turning down the volume” on activities, habits and actions that distract us from focusing on the the negative habits we need to change to improve our wellbeing : those same actions that help us avoid uncomfortable feelings, or uncomfortable realisations about ourselves.

Social media is one of the many things we give up as part of the challenge – and we have seen this really change the perspective of our students every year. 12 weeks is a long time to dial down the distraction it provides and in the space left in its absence, amazing breakthroughs can happen.

Throughout the challenge, women and girls are supported with small focus groups that meet each week, supportive training sessions, and a whole – of – dojo participation that means everybody is in this together.

The Canterbury squad, who have Ramadan falling in the middle of the challenge, are working with Natasha Hill to create strong mental and physical focus to train with intention throughout Ramadan. She’ll be helping to support our senior captains as they provide leadership to the squad throughout the challenge.

This year we are also following the groups closely with weekly surveys and tracking of student progress and data, with support from a team of academics, practicing Psychiatrists, trainee psychologists and child safely advocates. It’s our hope this data will provide enough insight to encourage a full academic study next year when the challenge rolls around again.

What has this got to do with self defence? Mastery of self. If you control those things that have the potential to distract or derail you, they cannot control you.