Women empowered through martial arts at seventh Beauty is a Beast seminar
Women came together for the seventh Beauty is a Beast Women-Only Martial Arts Seminar, a day dedicated to learning, self-defence, fitness and empowerment.
The seventh edition of Beauty is a Beast Women-Only Martial Arts Seminar brought women together on 15 August for a full day of training, learning and empowerment at Bracken Park Community Hall.
The multi-discipline seminar, coordinated by Karyn Smith, aimed to create a space where women could learn from experienced female martial artists while sharing knowledge across different disciplines.
The event welcomed female martial artists aged 16 and older, while girls aged 12 and above who already practice a martial art could also participate. Women with no previous martial arts experience were encouraged to attend and discover the benefits of the different disciplines on offer.
This year’s programme featured BJJ and MMA, judo, karate, kickboxing, Krav Maga, self-defence, yoga and zumba.
“Beauty is a Beast is about empowering women through martial arts, creating a space where women of all experience levels can learn from one another, challenge themselves and grow stronger together.
It is incredibly rewarding to see the enthusiasm, determination and support that the women bring to this event every year,” said Karyn.
Among the instructors were Kiara Fegen for BJJ and MMA, Katja Bruwer and Danica van Zyl for judo, Monique Lyons, Madelein Coetzee, and Sharon Walker for karate, Sarah O’Donnell for kickboxing, Sharle Vermaak for Krav Maga, Karyn Smith for self-defence, Jolene Palmer for yoga, and Luize Tattle for Zumba.
The event featured six hours of training and eight sessions, allowing participants to experience several disciplines during the day.
Smith thanked the women who participated, saying their energy, determination and enthusiasm helped make the day inspiring.
She also praised the instructors for giving their time and expertise to empower women through martial arts and self-defence.
The success of the seminar was also supported by sponsors and donors who assisted participants in need of financial support and contributed items to the event’s goodie bags.
Smith acknowledged the staff, volunteers and members of Karate Syndicate who assisted with registration, catering, logistics, setup and packing away, as well as the instructors whose teamwork helped make the event possible.
