INTERNATIONAL
SELF DEFENCE
SCHOOL BELGIUM
WHAT IS ISDS WOMEN’S SELF DEFENCE?
MORE THAN LEARNING TECHNIQUES
ISDS Women’s Self Defence is a reality-based approach to
personal safety and self-defence.
The training goes beyond learning physical techniques.
We work with awareness, prevention, decision-making and the psychological
aspects of threatening situations, alongside practical ways to respond when physical action becomes necessary.
There is no single solution that works for everyone.
Training is adapted to the individual, taking into account differences in physical ability, experience, confidence and personal boundaries.
The aim is not to become stronger than an attacker, but to understand how to recognise danger, react effectively and use the possibilities available to you.
Self-defence also comes with responsibility.
During the training, we address the basic principles of Belgian self-defence law, helping participants understand not only how they can respond, but also when and why a response may be appropriate.
THE ISDS APPROACH
01 — FOUNDATIONS
Escaping grips, basic responses, positioning, awareness and fundamental self-defence principles.
02 — EVERYDAY SITUATIONS
Learning how to respond to different situations, including the use of everyday objects and more complex threats.
03 — INTEGRATION
Combining techniques, awareness and decision-making in increasingly realistic situations.
WHO? WHERE? WHY? WHEN? WHAT?
Effective self defence is not one fixed technique.
The response depends on the person, the situation and the circumstances.
ORGANISE A WOMEN’S SELF DEFENCE WORKSHOP
Training adapted to your group
Women’s Self Defence workshops and courses can also be organised on request for your own group.
Schools, organisations, associations, companies or private groups can request a training programme adapted to the participants, available time and specific needs of the group.
From a focused workshop to a longer series of lessons, the content can be tailored in consultation with ISDS.
Training can be organised at an agreed location for a minimum of 12 paying participants.
MORE THAN 30 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE
Women’s self-defence training at ISDS since the early 1990s
Women’s self defence has been part of ISDS for more than three decades. Long before self-defence workshops became widely available, Head Instructor Sifu Patrick was already teaching women and girls how to protect themselves in realistic situations.
Throughout the years, Sifu Patrick taught women’s self-defence in many different settings, including schools, educational institutions and specialised courses. In 1993, he taught self-defence to law students at KU Leuven, and historical photographs from 1995 show training being given to groups of young schoolgirls as well.
The programme never remained fixed. As society changed, so did the situations people could encounter and the way self defence needed to be taught. New knowledge, decades of teaching experience and lessons learned directly from working with different groups have continually shaped the ISDS approach.
What began in the early 1990s has therefore grown into the reality-based programme taught today, while its fundamental purpose has remained the same: to give women practical knowledge, greater awareness and realistic options for protecting themselves.
THROUGH THE YEARS
1990-1991 — THE BEGINNING
Women’s self-defence becomes an established part of ISDS training, with Sifu Patrick teaching courses in schools and other educational settings.
1993 — KU LEUVEN
Women’s self-defence training for law students at KU Leuven.
1994-1996 — SELF DEFENCE FOR YOUNG GIRLS
Self-defence training adapted specifically for younger participants, introducing practical safety and awareness from an early age.
THROUGHOUT THE YEARS
Courses and workshops continue for women of different ages and backgrounds. The programme evolves alongside changing social realities, while practical experience gained through teaching continues to shape the training.
TODAY — EXPERIENCE THAT CONTINUES TO EVOLVE
Today’s ISDS Women’s Self Defence programme builds on more than 30 years of experience. The methods continue to evolve, but the focus remains firmly on realistic, practical and adaptable self defence.
WHAT PARTICIPANTS SAY
Real experiences from women who trained with ISDS
Every participant comes to self-defence training with different experiences, expectations and personal boundaries. Our training is adapted to the people in front of us, with the aim of creating a challenging but supportive environment in which everyone can learn at their own pace.
“Fantastisch hoe Patrick de aanpak ook afstemde op de persoon.”
Participant, 21 years
“Ik heb ervan genoten.
Ik neem meer zelfvertrouwen mee.
Ik voel me moediger.”
Participant, 29 years
“Nuttige cursus, veel uitdagingen, veel ‘out of comfort zone’.”
Participant, 28 years
"We hebben veel bijgeleerd, zowel op fysiek vlak als psyhologisch."
Participant, 19 years
IN THE MEDIA
ISDS Women’s Self Defence in the press, on radio and television
Over the years, the ISDS approach to women’s self defence has attracted the attention of local and national media. From newspaper features to radio and television, these stories offer another glimpse into the training, its philosophy and its practical approach.
RADIO JOE
Anke geeft sterren
Anke Buckinx joined Sifu Patrick for a speed course in self defence, experiencing first-hand some of the principles and techniques used within ISDS Women’s Self Defence.
TV PLUS
My Beautiful Life
ISDS was featured in My Beautiful Life in a segment focusing on self defence and resilience.
LEUVEN ACTUEEL
“Jezelf kunnen verdedigen is basis”
ISDS Women’s Self Defence was featured in Leuven Actueel, highlighting the importance of practical self-defence skills and awareness.
FROM THE ISDS ARCHIVE
A glimpse into our history
Over the decades, ISDS and its self-defence programmes have appeared in numerous newspapers and publications. Here is a small selection from our archive, preserving some of the stories, courses and moments that have shaped the school’s history.
