Friendship, fun and feeling empowered: Wolverhampton women welcome new self-defence class
A former Royal Marines Commando has been leading self-defence classes for women and girls in Wolverhampton, aimed at building confidence and empowering them to become more active.
Kelvin Davies set up ‘Reel Grappling’ this summer after more than 12 years in the Marines. It offers Brazilian Jiu Jitsu classes in the Fallings Park areas of the city on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and at The Way Youth Zone in central Wolverhampton on Fridays.
Its overall mission is to help build stronger communities and empower young people, with Kelvin’s military background helping to instil a unique blend of discipline and empathy. Reel Grappling prioritises supporting young people from diverse and less privileged communities, and building trust where it matters most.
Now Kelvin has identified a need for the new women-only programme, following a spate of recent incidents in the city, and is seeking support to run more classes.
“Reel Grappling is more than just sport,” he explained. “It's a community of people that can get together and train together, and rebuild the community through sport.
“So far, we've gone from adults to children’s classes - and now we specifically have the women's class. The purpose of this class is to put confidence back into the community so women are empowered to defend themselves.”
Sixteen women and girls from different backgrounds took part in the hour-long Sunday morning session at Our Lady and St Chad Catholic Academy, Fallings Park.
The vibrant, upbeat session saw plenty of laughter and camaraderie, with an undertone of serious learning and technical processes.
Ultimately, Kelvin noted how important it is to bring people together. “We're a multi-cultural city, but we're not always embedded properly, and can sometimes be divided. So it's nice to see how people can come together and do something positive together.”
During the session, Kelvin makes a point of participants mixing and communicating with others they may not have met before.
“With any session I do, I try to make sure that if you come as a pair, you train with someone else, so you can get to know someone different. It's not just a case of making new friends, it's also about understanding different body types and different styles. You get a much better experience if you do mix and mingle.
“Again, it's down to community and getting to know people. It’s not about anyone being better or fitter than anyone else. It’s really for everyone to go on this journey together. We learn this skill or technique, and we build together.”
Kelvin is seeking a permanent venue for Reel Grappling as he seeks to grow its offer to the local community so that more people can benefit.
“It’s about us getting a space, and then about getting the publicity so people know what is on offer,” he adds.
“Once we get them through the door, that's half the battle won. They normally stay there because they fit in. They have a good time and, in particular with these women-only sessions, make some great new friends.”
Friends Nabkiran and Sangeeta were attending their first Reel Grappling session together.
Nabkiran said: “I thoroughly enjoyed it. I was a bit dubious, to be honest with you, but after actually making the effort, I would definitely do this again. It’s a really good experience, and a good way to build my confidence.
“Sometimes when I am walking to and from work, I go under the subway in Wolverhampton so for me this is about safety. After today, I feel a bit more prepared - like Kelvin says, it's good to be alert and be much more aware.”
Sangeeta added: “It’s so good to be physically active as well. It helps with your mental health and your general wellbeing, and helps with your fitness and getting you out of the house. When the weather is like this, you don't want to go out - so a class like this for one hour is perfect.
“Plus I'm a working parent as well, so it's just giving me this hour for myself and to do something that I actually enjoy. I’m getting a break from the kids and building some self-awareness.”
Nabkiran added: “It’s also nice to meet different people. I usually keep myself to myself, I usually have limited opportunities to connect with others… but coming out to this class and meeting a mix of people and talking to them, then you realise many of them are in similar situations to yourself.
“We definitely need more of these sessions.”
To find out more, visit reelgrappling.co.uk or contact kelvin@reelgrappling.co.uk
