In the wake of increased attacks on Muslim women in Toronto and surrounding areas, I was lucky enough to co-organize a Muslim women’s self-defense session with Outburst. I wanted to “do something” so this was truly a blessing. And very cathartic.
The event was was hosted by Anatolia Islamic Center at their beautiful, well-lit and comfortable facility. Such wonderful sisters that were so happy to have us.
Fatima Garsi of Sister-Fit, was our valiant leader. She is a professional trainer and qualified to teach. Her voice is soft but her punches are ridiculously powerful.
Fatima and some of her students gave us a demonstration that also include some of their weapons training from Filipino Martial Arts (Armis). Among her crew is one of my friends, and glorious boxer, Aaida Mamuji.
Immediately after that, we warmed up. Stretches, cardio, push-ups and sit-ups. All the while, Fatima encouraged us and circulated through the large group correcting our movements. We partnered up and practiced our blocks and practical maneuvers that could help release us from holds and grabs of aggressors.
Or if someone tried to grab our hijabs.
Fatima reminded us that our objective in learning Martial Arts was not to be able to spar with a violent racist and engage in a street fight. It is to be able to defend as necessary, potentially hurt someone but run to a safe space and GET THE HELL AWAY.
I felt incredibly empowered as I looked around at the 60-or-so women launching punches into other Muslim women and girls who were deflecting- as taught. In a room bursting with intensity and solidarity, I felt truly blessed to be there. To be part of a community that was honouring their body autonomy, and exercising their right to fight against gendered Islamophobia. With a hard knee if required.
A lot of women have been feeling unsafe and I know that some have decided to de-jab or not go out as frequently. We must always support the choices of our sisters- particularly in these scary and confusing times.
I will always support the right of Muslim women to choose to cover but when their choice is heavily influenced by the fact that they are potential targets of violence, something needs to be done.
What can be done, is to support initiatives like the over 18 self-defense sessions that have been held in the Toronto area in the last two months.
What can be done, is donating space, or sponsoring instructors, like Fatima, who provide an incredible service to the community.
What can be done is encouraging our grandmothers, mothers, aunts, sisters, daughters to be aware of their space.
We were dozens and dozens of women; ages nine years to 55 plus. Many representing England, Somalia, Turkey, Egypt, Lebanon, Libya, Pakistan, India, Indonesia, Yemen- and all Canadians. All panting, sweating, using their knees to push into pads held by women encouraging them to dig deeper, push harder and strike faster.
One of the most glorious sounds I have ever heard was of over 60 women and girls, breathing and shadowing elbow motions in perfect synchronization.
It was like something out of Mulan’s epic training scenes, but with Muslim women in a huge room of a mosque.
I am excited that so many women came out. Most of whom had never met before. Contacts across various networks were made. New friendships and strengthened sisterhood. Working and organizing and mobilizing is so much of what community is all about.
So proud that so many women came out. So excited that they were so pumped and happy to attend. The most wonderful thing was at least ten women came to me and said, “This is exactly what I needed.”
I didn’t do anything- these women did. They showed up. They came out. And I feel a little better that there are more women who can encourage others to learn, train and practice. That there is no shame on relying on yourself for physical protection.
We can’t put an end Islamophobia but we can build our skill and have the confidence to protect ourselves and our communities.
Our voices are strong and our elbows are sharp.
Alhumdullilah.
Sister-Fit and Combating Gendered Islamophobia
you plan on beating up your husbands ??