IT’S A LIFESTYLE AND A PARADIGM SHIFT
Why do you need to learn self defence?
Like swimming or driving, self-defence is an essential life skill that empowers you to live with greater autonomy, confidence, and peace of mind. Through physical training, you begin to internalise the strength you already possess, while the mental discipline transforms how you see yourself and the world around you.
This holistic approach nurtures emotional, psychological, physical, and mental growth—it is about far more than personal safety.
“It’s far better to have it when you don’t need it than to need it and not have it.”
In an ideal world, none of us would need to learn self-defence or even wear a seatbelt. However, we do not live in an ideal world, and gender-based violence remains a serious issue today. It is important to be clear: responsibility for any act of violence always lies with the perpetrator.
What is Anne Pang self defence?
Anne Pang Self Defence is an empowerment-based, trauma-informed, and evidence-based program designed to develop physical strength, self-worth, and confidence in women. It places a strong emphasis on boundary setting, self-assertion, and deepening understanding of gender-based violence.
For over 30 years, the program has supported women in discovering their inner strength and resilience. Its approach integrates practical martial arts techniques with education on the mental, physiological, emotional, and cultural dimensions of gender-based violence, alongside situational awareness and early intervention strategies.
The techniques are drawn from Wing Chun, a female-originated style of Chinese martial arts. These methods are designed to amplify women’s natural strengths—such as relaxation, coordination, and speed—rather than relying on brute force or physical size. The movements are simple, efficient, and focus on using the body intelligently to respond effectively and intuitively.
Anne Pang Self Defence also honours and shares the stories of women who have faced threats, intimidation, and violence. These lived experiences help foster a supportive community, equipping participants with the awareness and tools to avoid danger, de-escalate conflict, seek help, or leave unsafe situations.
Recognising that individuals respond differently under pressure, the program takes a holistic and compassionate approach. While self-protection is a key element, the broader goal is personal development—building self-worth, confidence, and a deeper sense of one’s own strength and potential.
Finally, we acknowledge that offenders are often known to the victim. As such, the program incorporates specific techniques and strategies tailored to these complex situations, while also guiding participants toward professional support services specialising in intimate partner violence, including counselling, legal, and financial assistance.
Importantly, this training also supports gradual trauma recovery, helping participants rebuild confidence and rediscover their own strength, resilience, and sense of personal power.
History
This holistic, empowerment-based system was founded in 1990 by Dr Anne Pang. After more than 15 years of practising Wing Chun, Anne recognised the need for a structured and accessible program that would equip women with practical skills and the mindset within a short period of time. She distilled the most simple, effective, and applicable techniques from Wing Chun, and in collaboration with Victoria Police and community groups, incorporated essential safety strategies into the program.
The system integrates techniques from Wing Chun—a Chinese martial art traditionally attributed to a female founder—alongside modern situational awareness practices, preventative strategies recommended by Victoria Police, and insights drawn from the lived experiences of participants over many years.
Two lines of self defence
The first line of self-defence is your mental situational awareness and psychological preparedness. By staying calm and replying on your instincts and common sense, you can often avoid or safely exit two out of three potentially dangerous situations without the need for physical confrontation.
The second line of self-defence is physical techniques that were designed by women for women. It should only be used as a last resort; however, when it becomes necessary, you must commit fully in order to create the opportunity to disengage and get away as quickly as possible..
‘Empower women and watch them soar, doing things they thought impossible’ – Anne
News & Updates
MISSION STATEMENT
Practical and effective techniques will be taught with strategies of prevention through early detection as the first line of defence; the synergy between the mental and physical learning will generate more confidence, sense of empowerment and respect for the self and others.
Founder & Chief Instructor
Dr. Anne Pang
First began training in 1974, in the art of Wing Chun Kung Fu, the only martial arts invented by a female; one of the most efficient and effective styles of self defence, winning multiple awards, fully qualified and has been conducting her own Self Defence course in Melbourne since 1990.
Anne has the experience, credentials and passion to empower men, women and children of all ages. The only female who has ever received the martial arts industry recognised Tribute Award: Anne was awarded the Tribute Award for Women’s Self Defence Instructor given by Blitz Magazine.