Self-defence course in English with profesional coach

: Published: 08 February 2026

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By Fergus Dullaghan

Almost six years ago, I ran my first self-defence course for women in Geneva. I wanted to do something to help local women after my wife was mugged. The damage she suffered wasn’t limited to stolen items, stitches and a trip to hospital in an ambulance – it was the aftermath. Months (maybe years) of jumping at shadows, disrupted sleep and anxiety.

I was also upset and angry. So as a life-long martial artist, I wanted to do my bit to stop it happening to other women in the city. The course was really successful and, although I was slowed down by the pandemic, the feedback I was given, planted the seed for me to open my own English language martial arts club in Geneva in 2023 (www.swiftacademy.ch).

Mostly, I focus on teaching my young daughters and their friends the sport of judo. But this year, I’m revisiting the theme of women’s self-defence in a series of three courses across the year. In the first course (with the kind support of La Découverte school), we will be looking at mugging again.

Why am I revisiting that theme? Well, firstly, although Geneva is a very safe city by international standards, robbery and mugging are actually on the rise here (and in Switzerland more broadly).

Secondly, it is a technically far simpler area to address than many others, so it is a good place to start for people with limited experience. Finally, (and not to underplay the trauma mugging can inflict), it is a psychologically safer topic for us to deal with first than some. Feeling at ease and safe with the group and particularly the instructor is really important, before tackling more complex topics, (which we will be doing later in the year).

Course places will be limited owing to the size of the hall, so please register to assure yourself of a place.