Review of the feminist fighters week 2025

From 7 to 13 April 2025, the feminist fighters week took place for the second time - a week of action that was even broader this year and was aimed at FLINTA* (non-binary, intersex, trans and agender people, lesbians and women) and queer people of all genders. The aim of the week was to create spaces for self-empowerment, solidarity and empowerment through martial arts.

This year, a total of 14 gyms from all over Austria and - for the first time - one from Switzerland took part. Together, we organised 19 training sessions spread over the entire week, covering a wide range of disciplines. 200 people signed up for one or more training sessions during the week. The offer ranged from strength and fitness training for martial artists to traditional and modern martial arts styles such as pencak silat, taekwondo, jiu jitsu, karate and capoeira, as well as self-defence, kickboxing, krav maga, Olympic boxing and even HEMA - historical European fencing.

The response to the campaign week was very positive. An anonymous survey of participants revealed that 90 per cent rated their training experience as very good and would like to take part again next year. Many described the week as empowering, strengthening and connecting - both on a physical and emotional level. The feedback from the participating gyms also spoke in favour of a successful week. Many coaches were impressed by the commitment, openness and interest of the participants - and some of the gyms have already agreed to take part again in 2026. The gyms placed a particular focus on addressing gender equality, barriers to access and discrimination-sensitive language.

As part of a follow-up workshop, critical feedback was also collected and reflected on together with the gyms. This included the question of how training sessions can be made even more inclusive and accessible - be it through conscious language, sensitive use of space or dealing with physical proximity in martial arts. The findings from this dialogue are already being incorporated into the planning for the coming year. After all, our aim is not just to organise an empowering week once a year, but to make long-term and sustainable changes to the martial arts scene - towards a place where everyone is welcome and can feel safe, regardless of gender, identity or physical experience.

The feminist fighters week 2025 has once again shown how powerful queerfeminist networking can be through body, movement and martial arts. We would like to thank all participants, trainers, gyms and supporters who made this week possible - with their time, their courage and their willingness to work together for a more just and solidary martial arts world. We are already looking forward to the next round of feminist fighting power in 2026!