Lifestyle & Family

Wen-Do: women’s self-defence 

Meet the Toronto-based self-defence organization empowering women to protect themselves.


Gender-based violence is a prevalent issue in Canada. In 2009, the Canadian government estimated the total economic impact of spousal violence to be $7.4 billion, with 54 per cent of victims being female. A report from the Canadian Femicide Observatory for Justice and Accountability states that “184 women and girls were violently killed, primarily by men” in 2022.

According to Canadian law, citizens are free to safeguard themselves, provided that their actions are proportional to circumstance. On that account, women may learn self-defence techniques to protect themselves against violence and other crimes.


What is Wen-Do?

Wen-Do is the longest-running women’s self-defence institution in Canada. It is a feminist, anti-racist, anti-oppression registered charity offering courses that cover a wide range of physical and verbal self-defence techniques, as well as situational awareness. There are also discussions about psychological, social and legal issues regarding self-defence legislation. All Wen-Do instructors are women, and classes are open to cis and trans women and girls ages 10 and up. 


A brief history 

Wen-Do was first established in 1964, when married couple Dr. Ned and Anne Paige read the disturbing story about Kitty Genovese, a woman who was stabbed and bled to death in front of her apartment, with multiple onlookers failing to help her as she lay dying. The Paiges decided to invest their martial arts expertise into helping women defend themselves if they ever found themselves in a dangerous situation. 

Now, over 50 years later, Wen-Do has made a staple in the Toronto community with its initiatives to combat gender-based violence, help survivors of domestic and sexual abuse and address other gender-based issues for Camadian women. 


More about Wen-Do

Wen-Do teaches women how to physically retaliate against stronger and bigger attackers. They learn blocks, strikes, releases from arm/body/neck holds, defences against weaponry and how to navigate situations where one is pinned to the ground. Wen-Do also uses verbal techniques, including calming tricks, reasoning, negotiation, distraction and using the element of surprise against the attackers.

Wen-Do classes are also taught in South Africa, New Zealand, Japan, Europe and Australia. Since 1972, over 100,000 women and girls have participated in Wen-Do.  


Workshops 

Wendo offers three types of workshops for those interested in taking their self-defence courses.

First-time attendees must complete a 15-hour basic Wen-Do course, which covers physical and verbal self-defence techniques, situational awareness and avoidance tactics. The course also includes discussions detailing women’s issues and gender-based violence and deconstructing victim blaming, racism, ableism and other hateful rhetoric. 

Once the 15 hours are completed, women can take Wen-Do’s intermediate courses. However, attendees must have completed the basic courses within the previous year (365 days).

WenDo has introduced Defy: Trans+ self-defence classes, where members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community (10 years old minimum) are permitted to take these classes and are offered safe spaces to discuss transphobia, homophobia, and other societal issues. 

Women can also organize a WenDo workshop if they meet the requirements for doing so. 


Getting involved and resources 

Wen-Do accepts donations through CanadaHelp so they can continue to offer courses on an affordable basis for lower-income women. Donations give women and girls from all walks of life and financial situations access to the strength, confidence, and beneficial skills one can gain from practicing Wen-Do. 

For more information, you can contact Wen-Do at wendoinfo@gmail.com or 416-929-3636.


Crisis line 

If you are in crisis, if you are scared or if you are in a dangerous or volatile situation, please consider calling: 

The Assaulted Women’s Helpline 

1-866-863-0511 or 416-863-0511 

The Toronto Rape Crisis Centre/Multicultural Women Against Rape Crisis Line 

416-597-8808 

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