Femme Combat Fest unveils new movement to empower women through martial arts

The beat of determination and the spirit of empowerment echoed through the halls of Kaizen Martial Arts Club Kenya as Femme Combat Fest, a groundbreaking celebration of women in martial arts, conducted its inaugural launch on Thursday.

Dr. Catherine Kibuchi and Lona Abiero, the visionary founders, stood proudly, embodying the essence of their creation—a movement dedicated to nurturing the strength, resilience, and camaraderie of women through the art of combat.

Femme Combat Fest emerged as a beacon of empowerment, borne out by the desire to cultivate a space where women could thrive.

"I decided to start Kaizen as a way to empower women," Dr. Kibuchi said. "We bring all female martial artists together to train on basics aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals."

From the bustling streets of Nairobi to the serene landscapes of Kenya, women from all walks of life answered the call to embrace their inner warriors.

The festival, spanning three dynamic days from 19-21 July, promises a journey of self-discovery, resilience, and empowerment.

Within the heart of Femme Combat Fest lies a spectrum of workshops spanning Karate, Kickboxing, Muay Thai, Boxing, Taekwondo, Judo, Kenpo Karate, and Tongil Moo Do.

Through these workshops, participants embark on a transformative odyssey, honing their skills while championing financial literacy, reduced inequalities, and the end of menstrual shame.

Joan Githua, representing the Judo Federation, reflected on the challenges and triumphs of female martial artists.

"There is a backlash on female martial artists being violent," she noted. "We lack investment in sports from parents and the absence of policies."

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Yet, within the festival's embrace, a tapestry of unity and resilience unfolds, weaving together the stories of women who dare to defy expectations.

Master Anuro Makanga, a guiding force within the festival, spoke passionately of breaking barriers and nurturing peace.

"Martial arts is not about violence; it is about peace," he asserted.

Femme Combat Fest beckons women from all corners of the globe to join the movement, one set for them to embrace their inner warriors and rewrite the narrative of possibility.