The Józsefváros Public Safety Foundation (“Józsefváros Közbiztonságért Közalapítvány”) is launching a women’s self-defence course! From October 2025 to May 2026, trainings will be held twice a week. Participation is free for all women over 12 living in Józsefváros, but registration is required.
Public spaces and private relationships can pose significantly greater risks for women than for men. Walking down dark streets at night, refusing unwanted harassment at a party or in the workplace, or standing up to an abuser in one’s immediate environment can be far more challenging. Whether serious harm can be prevented often depends on responding firmly from the very first moment and knowing what to do in order to protect one’s physical safety and reduce the impact of a potential physical attack.
In 2025/26, the Józsefváros Public Safety Foundation offers girls and women living in Józsefváros the opportunity to take part in a self-defence course.
What is the training about?
The aim is to draw attention to possible ways of prevention and avoidance, and to teach participants a number of simple defensive techniques. We seek to impart a comprehensive self-defence mindset that will help participants handle conflicts with confidence and determination in the future.
During the course, participants will learn, among other things:
- Defences against punches and kicks
- Escapes from grabs/holds/chokes
- How to fend off pushing and dragging
- Escapes when pinned against a wall or held down on the ground
- And any other self-defence situations participants are curious about
The sessions are interactive and take place in a friendly, safe, and supportive environment.
Who leads the training?
The course is led by self-defence trainer Ildikó Kovács, who has long-standing experience working with children (she has delivered “Peaceful Warrior” trainings for years in district schools) as well as with women who have experienced abuse.
You can read more about Ildikó Kovács’s work at the link provided.
Who can participate? What are the conditions?
We welcome applications from girls and women aged 12 and over who have a permanent or temporary address in Józsefváros. The district address must be verified at registration with a valid photo ID.
The programme is primarily designed for those who would find it difficult to finance such training themselves, but of course everyone is welcome who feels the skills taught would be useful in everyday life.
How many sessions can participants attend?
Each applicant receives a 10-session pass, valid for 12 weeks. Within this period, participants may decide how to use their sessions (attendance can be once or twice a week).
How long is the programme available?
Places are allocated in order of registration. The programme runs from October 2025 to May 2026 and will accept participants until the budget is exhausted, so early registration is recommended.
Is there a fee?
No. Participation is free of charge.
Where and when are the trainings?
Location: 1085 Budapest, Mária utca 2.
Times: Mondays and Wednesdays, 19:00–20:30
How to apply?
Send an email to kozbiztonsagert@jozsefvaros.hu including your phone number and age. After that, colleague of the Józsefváros Public Safety Foundation will contact you personally to agree on your start date.