One of common questions I often get asked when carrying out self-protection courses, is Can a woman really fight back against bigger stronger male adversary? 

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Over the years, I have advised high profile figures and their families and delivered seminars, talks and practical workshops to numerous companies and trained various security personnel.

Since the tragic murder of Sarah Everard five years ago, more and more women, especially in London, have shown a genuine concern for their personal safety.

Still that question will be asked- Can a woman really fight back...?

My answer is never given lightly. Everything conveyed is relative to the context of a scenario. My answer is one that I hope will give more women the realisation that there are many ways to fight back; there are many ways to prevail. The woman who always comes to mind when I get asked this question; the brave woman I will use to support my answer, was a remarkable individual- a formidable female force and an exemplary example of women's fighting spirit. Her name was Nancy Wake.

Follow the White Mouse

Nancy Wake, AC, GM was a World War 2 heroine who served in SOE (Special Operations Executive) behind enemy lines in occupied France. This lady was petite in stature but colossal with courage and presence.  Her actions were very impacting, causing significant disruption to Nazi operations- so much so that she became number one on the Gestapo's hit list. Determined to neutralise her, the Gestapo codename for this enemy of the Third Reich was White Mouse.

This was an appropriate name for her- Nancy was an elusive target. Her ability to be effective and survive behind enemy lines was based on her training as well as her skills at blending in and use of awareness to evade the threat. It's also worth noting that Nancy received training in Combatives from the famous SOE instructor W.E.Fairbairn. This hardened gentleman had worked in the Shanghai Municipal Police. Along with studying various martial arts, he survived numerous street encounters. Nancy took this training from Fairbairn very seriously.

Nancy was small in stature but with intensity, she absorbed her lessons on accessible hand to hand combat along with the other aspects of........

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