Mindset Self Defence and Close Quarters Combat

MINDSET’s New Zealand National Instructor Sarah pictured with some of the incredible women who took part in our bi-annual women’s self-defence workshop at the University of Auckland. Three sessions of learning practical skills, building confidence, and empowering women in a supportive environment.

Originally from the UK, Kaitlyn moved to Adelaide just over a year ago to start a new chapter in her life. She initially joined Charlie for one-on-one self-defence training and, since relocating, has demonstrated a strong commitment to personal growth, building confidence, and stepping outside of her comfort zone. Since joining Charlie in February 2026, Kaitlyn has become actively involved in both workshops and one-on-one training sessions, consistently showing enthusiasm, professionalism, and a genuine eagerness to learn and develop as a trainee instructor.

The MINDSET team are excited to welcome Kaitlyn to the team and look forward to supporting her continued growth and development as an instructor.

As we slowly move into the second half of the year, the MINDSET team is preparing for a busy and exciting schedule of workshops across New Zealand and Australia.

Our upcoming events include:

* MINDSET Women’s Weekend Workshop – Hamilton
* MINDSET Women’s Weekend Workshop – West Auckland
* MINDSET Women’s Weekend Workshop – North Shore, Auckland
* MINDSET Women’s Weekend Workshop – Tauranga
* MINDSET Women’s Weekend Workshop – Wellington
* MINDSET Women’s Weekend Workshop – Adelaide
* MINDSET Women’s Workshop – Flinders University Adelaide, Women in Health
* MINDSET Women’s Workshop – University of Auckland
* MINDSET Women’s Weekend Workshop – YWCA Hamilton

In addition to these public workshops, we also have a strong calendar of corporate, educational institution, and non-profit organisation bookings that will keep the MINDSET team actively engaged throughout the remainder of the year.

At the same time, Charlie is currently vetting female trainee instructors for Adelaide. Successful candidates will undertake an intensive training programme covering the full MINDSET women’s syllabus, while also assisting Charlie during workshops. Their training will extend beyond the core programme to include close-quarters combat, Sanshou (Chinese Boxing), weapons training, and defensive tactics.

Domestic violence is often described in limited ways, like it only happens in struggling households, or only when alcohol or drugs are involved. That’s not how it actually works.

As someone who teaches self-defence and close quarters combat, you learn quickly that danger doesn’t come with a “type.” It’s not limited to one kind of family, income level, or lifestyle. I’ve seen people from all walks of life; professionals, well-off families, people with no obvious “problems”, dealing with the same patterns of control, intimidation, and abuse. From the outside, everything can look completely fine. That’s part of what makes it harder to spot and harder to talk about.

In those situations, the pressure to keep things looking “normal” for the victim can be intense. People worry about reputation, about not being believed, or about turning their whole life upside down if they speak up. And abusers can use that for status, confidence, or social standing, to stay in control and avoid being questioned.

There’s also this common idea that alcohol or drugs are the main cause of domestic violence. They’re not. They can make things worse, they lower inhibitions and can increase aggression, but they’re not the root of the problem. The real issue is control: one person trying to dominate, intimidate, or manipulate another. Plenty of people drink and never become violent, and plenty of domestic abusers don’t rely on substances at all.

Why does this matter? Because these stereotypes can stop people from recognising what’s actually happening. If you think abuse only looks a certain way, you might miss the warning signs in your own life or someone else’s. Or worse, you might think, “This can’t be abuse, my situation doesn’t fit that picture.”

From a self-defence perspective, awareness is the first line of protection. That means understanding that abuse isn’t defined by income, education, or whether someone drinks. It’s defined by patterns, control, fear, manipulation, and harm. Once you recognise that, you’re in a better position to act, whether that’s setting boundaries, getting support, defending yourself or helping someone else do the same.

Support services in Australia and New Zealand

If you or someone you know needs support, these services are confidential and available 24/7:

Australia

1800RESPECT – phone 1800 737 732, plus online chat and text
Lifeline Australia – 13 11 14
MensLine Australia – 1300 78 99 78
Men’s Referral Service – 1300 766 491

New Zealand

Shine – 0508 744 633
Women’s Refuge – 0800 733 843

If you’re in immediate danger, call 000 (Australia) or 111 (New Zealand). These services can help you think clearly about your next steps and connect you with the right kind of support.

We ran our first 2026 Women’s Mindset Workshop in Adelaide over the weekend, and the turnout was bigger than we ever expected! It was incredibly inspiring to see so many women come together, support one another, and work their way through the intensive two-day workshop. Congratulations to all the amazing women who took part, you made it such a powerful and memorable experience!

In New Zealand our Women’s MINDSET Weekend Workshop is coming to West Auckland and Hamilton this July and tickets are selling fast. If you’ve been thinking about it, now’s the time. Don’t wait and miss out on an empowering, game-changing weekend designed just for you. Secure your spot before it’s too late. Find out more and register via our websites.

🚨 Only a FEW spots left 🚨

This is more than self-defence, this is a MINDSET shift.

Join us for a powerful **2-day Women’s MINDSET Self-Defence Workshop** on **April 11th & 12th** at Funlife Fitness Centre, Ingle Farm.

This isn’t about learning a few moves, it’s about:
✨ Building unshakable confidence
✨ Trusting your instincts
✨ Learning how to read situations BEFORE they escalate
✨ Walking through the world feeling strong, aware, and in control
✨ Most importantly how to deal with the physical attacks

In just one weekend, you’ll gain practical skills and a mindset that could change how you carry yourself forever.

⚠️ And here’s the truth: spots are almost gone.

If you’ve been thinking about doing something like this, then this is your sign.

Secure your place now before it sells out.

DM us “READY” or hit the link below to book.

https://events.humanitix.com/women-s-mindset-weekend-self-defence-workshop-ingle-farm

Women's MINDSET Weekend Self-Defence Workshop - Ingle Farm Our Women's Weekend Self-Defence Workshop is a comprehensive two-day program designed to teach practical self-defence skills in an intense, hands-on environment

Make 2026 the year you stop hoping you’ll be safe and start knowing you can handle yourself.

The MINDSET’s Women’s Self-Defence Workshop in Adelaide is a powerful, hands-on, two-day training built for real life. No fluff. No complicated moves you’ll forget. Just practical, proven techniques designed to counter the most common attacks against women, taught in a supportive, empowering environment.

You’ll walk away with:
• Practical skills that actually work under pressure
• Increased awareness to spot danger early
• Faster reactions and stronger boundaries
• Real confidence, not just motivation

If you’ve ever thought, “I should probably learn this,” now's the time to do so.

Places are limited to keep training personal and high quality.

Register now before it sells out:

https://events.humanitix.com/host/mindset-self-defence-and-close-quarters-combat