Limavady Hen Shed build confidence and empowerment through self-defence programme

Limavady Hen Shed, based at Limavady Community Development Initiative, has wrapped up a three-week self-defence programme with local club Team Ryano.

Team Ryano delivers a range of combat sports, including Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), Mixed Martial Arts and No-Gi submission wrestling, with sessions for both adults and young people.

Coaches Majella and David led the course, guiding the group through core BJJ techniques with a strong focus on real-life personal safety and confidence building.

Majella McLaughlin, a BJJ coach with Team Ryano, highlighted why it is especially valuable for women’s groups to gain practical self-defence skills:

“It is important for women of all ages to have an awareness of self-defence.

“David and I really enjoyed sharing our knowledge with the ladies at the Hen Shed and it is reassuring to know they can now feel more confident in recognising and avoiding potentially dangerous situations.”

Describing the energy as ‘fantastic’, the ladies from Limavady Hen Shed thoroughly enjoyed their sessions with Team Ryano, relishing learning new skills and building confidence.

Debbie Caulfield, Vice Chairperson on Limavady Hen Shed’s committee, who helps to organise projects for the group commented:

“Following a number of recent attacks within the Limavady area, many ladies involved with Limavady Hen Shed expressed serious concerns about their personal safety when they were out and about.

“They stated that they felt vulnerable, anxious and fearful of becoming a victim of violence themselves.

“We were made aware that Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council had available funding to provide self-defence classes under the Violence Against Women and Girls scheme.

“We were successful in our application and after contacting Team Ryano, they assured us that they could tailor these classes specifically to meet the needs of our ladies.

“The classes focused on raising awareness of personal safety, being alert to your surroundings and identifying exit routes.

“Participants were also shown practical techniques to slip out of holds and were given clear advice on how to remove themselves from dangerous situations as quickly as possible.

“These sessions were extremely beneficial and helpful in building confidence, awareness and reassurance amongst the ladies who attended.”

Funding for the classes was secured through the Ending Violence Against Women and Girls programme, giving the group access to meaningful support for its members.

Team Ryano is a well-established local club, led by Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt and former European Champion Andy Chapman.

The club boasts six IBJJF European Champions, along with multiple youth World and European success stories.

Its membership spans a wide age range, from children as young as four to adults in their 60s, with people training for various reasons, from keeping active to pursuing competitive success at the highest level.

For women in particular, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu offers numerous benefits, including improved fitness and strength, opportunities to build friendships, try a new sport, competition, or developing practical self-defence skills.

More information on Team Ryano and Limavady Hen Shed can be found on their Facebook pages.