In celebration of International Women’s Day, self-defence specialist Leah Nicholls is arming teenage girls in the UAE with confidence, awareness, and the skills to take control of their safety
In a world where personal safety isn’t guaranteed, self-defence is emerging as a vital life skill.
Leah Nicholls, a British martial artist and the UAE’s only female self-defence instructor focused on teenage girls, aims to change how young women approach their security.
Through her Dubai-based initiative, Impulse Defence, Leah equips girls not just with physical techniques but with awareness, confidence, and a powerful sense of self-belief.
More than just defence—it’s empowerment
Dubai is one of the world’s safest cities, but as Leah explains, safety isn’t about geography but awareness.
“I grew up in the UK, lived in London, Sri Lanka, and backpacked solo in South America. I know firsthand how important it is to be prepared for different situations,” she says.
“Self-defence is like insurance—you hope you never need it, but it’s reassuring to know it’s there.”
Leah is passionate about shifting the perception of self-defence from something associated with fear to something that fosters empowerment. “It’s not about paranoia; it’s about preparation. We can’t control other people’s actions, but we can control how we respond.”
A space for girls to thrive
Leah’s martial arts journey began at 11, with Aikido, followed by kickboxing (where she earned her black belt), Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, Krav Maga, and Taekwondo. Yet, she often found herself the only girl in class.
“Training in a male-dominated space was intimidating but also inspiring. I realised girls needed a dedicated environment where they felt comfortable and confident,” she says.
Impulse Defence was born from this realisation. Leah’s unique program blends martial arts with real-life situational training, equipping girls with practical skills and self-belief.
Confidence beyond the training mat
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“Self-defence isn’t about winning a fight; it’s about survival.” “When girls learn to hold their own physically, they start doing it emotionally, too,” Leah explains. The transformation she sees in her students is profound.
“I’ve had students tell me they speak up more in class, handle conflicts better, and even walk with more confidence.”
Lessons also cover consent and boundary-setting, helping girls confidently navigate friendships, relationships, and social situations.
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Practical skills for the real world
One of the biggest misconceptions? That self-defence is all about fighting.
“So much of self-defence happens before anything physical. Combat skills are the last resort,” Leah clarifies.
Her classes emphasise reading situations, trusting instincts, and using voice and body language to set boundaries. She also incorporates vital lessons on digital safety.
“Most threats don’t start with a physical attack—they start with a DM,” Leah says.
“Recognising manipulation and avoiding risky situations is just as important as knowing how to throw a solid elbow strike.”
Turning fear into strength
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While learning self-defence can initially feel intimidating, Leah ensures that her training environment is positive and supportive.
“Many girls fear they’re not strong enough to defend themselves or they’ll freeze in a real-life situation,” Leah admits. “But self-defence isn’t about being the strongest person in the room; it’s about using your voice, body, and instincts in smart ways.”
To help students build confidence, Leah sometimes invites a surprise male ‘attacker’ to class.
“Giving students the chance to test their skills against someone bigger and stronger in a safe, controlled setting is always eye-opening. It shifts their mindset from fear to empowerment.”
Many of Leah’s students have already applied their skills—whether shutting down uncomfortable conversations, handling bullies, or feeling safer while travelling alone.
As she looks to the future, Leah hopes to see self-defence taught as a fundamental life skill—just like swimming or driving.
“I’ve had the privilege of training girls from all backgrounds, ages, and nationalities—even royalty—because self-defence is for everyone. It’s not about physical strength or size; it’s about knowledge, confidence, and the ability to protect yourself in any situation.”
Now, she’s developing a tailored course for sixth-formers as part of ‘Uni Prep,’ ensuring young women enter adulthood equipped with essential self-defence skills.
Her goal? “I want every teenage girl to feel strong, safe, and unapologetically confident.”
And the motto she hopes every student takes with them? Be your own hero.
For more information, visit impulseselfdefence.com
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