the Bela Diri program

Giving girls the agency to protect themselves.

97% of young women have been sexually harassed.

My parents enrolled me in Taekwondo lessons when I was 4 years old., telling me I needed it to defend myself. At first, I didn’t understand what for. Why should I have to give up my free time doing silly kicks and punches? And what was I defending myself from? Years later, as I grew up and the realities of the world slowly set in, I understood. And now, as a black belt, I want to give others the same opportunities that I had.

- Sofia Malika, Founder

In a mixture of Muay Thai and Taekwondo, we teach our girls the basics of self-defense.

  1. Be alert. Know your surroundings, and identify threats

  2. How to avoid dangerous situations

  3. How to get out of a chokehold/wrist hold

  4. How to punch/kick effectively and easily (Last resort!)

We also instill the importance of staying fit and healthy by doing physical games and nutritional lessons.