Women And Girls

Inclusive, Informed & Progressive Practice

We recognise that participation in sport can be affected by health, confidence, and life-stage factors. Our approach is informed by research, open dialogue, and practical action.

We have engaged with the work of Dr Chloe McLean, whose research into women’s experiences in martial arts has highlighted two key areas:

  • Menstrual health and participation, including the practical barriers, anxiety, missed training experienced by some girls and women
  • Gender-based violence and recovery, exploring how martial arts can support confidence, agency, and resilience

In response, the club has implemented simple, meaningful measures — including flexibility around uniform options and access to period products — to ensure girls and women can train comfortably and confidently. These changes reflect a wider commitment to listening, learning, and acting proportionately.

Guardian Girls – Global Context, Local Impact

Brothock Shotokan Karate Club is proud to be connected to the Guardian Girls initiative — a global programme launched in October 2022 in the United States by actor, martial artist and humanitarian Shin Koyamada (Last Samurai). The Guardian Girls Karate Project has been spreading rapidly across the world — empowering women through Karate, self-assurance and courage.

Born from concern within the Japanese Government over rising violence against women globally, the initiative was created in partnership with the World Karate Federation (WKF), the Koyamada International Foundation (KIF) and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).

Its goal is simple but powerful — to empower women worldwide through Counter-Measure Karate training, fostering confidence, awareness and protection skills.

Scotland proudly played a role from the outset, with our own Amy Connell — Olympic Team member, 7× British Champion, 4× European Medallist and Commonwealth Champion — launching the inaugural Guardian Girls programme in Cairo 2022 at the WKF Championships.

Brothock Shotokan Karate Club’s connection with the Guardian Girls initiative is through instructor Deborah Black, who completed the internationally recognised Guardian Girls Instructor Programme. Through her involvement, the principles and learning from this World Karate Federation-supported initiative have been brought directly into our club, helping to inform our approach to women’s participation, confidence, wellbeing and personal safety.


🔗 Visit guardiangirls.org

👉 See Deborah Black’s instructor bio for further detail.

Updates on Guardian Girls activity are shared through our
News & Events and
Gallery sections.

Training Options for Women

Women and girls train together across all our regular classes. For those who prefer it we also offer:

  • Women-only sessions, providing a relaxed and supportive environment
  • Introductory opportunities for those new to karate
  • Pathways for women returning to training after a break

Many women value karate as something that is active rather than performative, confidence-building rather than appearance-driven, and challenging without being intimidating.

Every Journey Is Different

For some, karate is an individual pursuit. For others, it becomes something shared — training alongside a child, returning after years away, or rediscovering confidence through movement.

At Brothock, women and girls are not a separate programme or an add-on. They are an integral part of the dojo community.