UK girls are learning self-defense amid growing far-right racist attacks on minorities

At a sports ground in London, Maya Hassan watches with pride as around 30 women, mostly Muslims and from ethnic minority backgrounds, participate in a self-defense class she organized in response to recent riots that led to violent, racist attacks on Muslims and other ethnic minorities.

The 28-year-old martial arts expert wanted to empower women of color by teaching them how to handle abuse while fostering connections and confidence. This initiative came after over a week of unrest targeting mosques, asylum-seeker accommodations, and police, according to Al-Jazeera.com

“It gives you a little bit more confidence,” Maya explained. “You learn what to look out for, how to be socially aware, spot potential dangers, and how to escape from a bad situation.”

The riots, triggered by false online claims that the suspect in the fatal stabbing of three young girls in Southport, northwest England, was a Muslim migrant, have shocked Muslim and ethnic minority communities.

Martial arts instructor Stewart McGill noted a stunning increase in women signing up for self-defense classes since the unrest began. He taught them techniques, including kicks and using everyday items like belts as impromptu weapons.

One participant, 24-year-old Elza Annan, expressed feeling more confident after the class. “I hope I never have to use these techniques, but it’s useful to know them, especially given the recent rise in far-right racist attacks targeting people of color,” she said.

The riots, largely aimed at migrants, Muslims, and Asian communities, have heightened fear among ethnic minorities and highlighted ongoing issues with integration in the United Kingdom.

Tell MAMA UK, a group monitoring anti-Muslim incidents, reported that anti-Muslim hate has been on the rise in the UK, particularly since the start of Israel’s war on Gaza on October 7 last year.