ΜΠΟΥΚΕΤΑ

Our self-organized queer-fem self-defense team was formed in December 2020 amidst the second “lockdown”, conducting training sessions in Pedion tou Areos in response to traumatic events that took place during that period involving attacks of macho dudes on queer people. At the same time, the empty streets due to the Covid conditions and “lockdown” created more insecurity for us.

Over the next year, we witnessed or learned about numerous attempts of sexual (and not only) assaults in the broader area of Kypseli, around Pedion tou Areos, as well as at queer parties and events. The need arose to collectively strengthen ourselves (physically and psychologically) and share self-defense and protection techniques, from us to us, that could prove useful in our daily lives, both in public and private spaces. Additionally, for many of us, this provided an opportunity for socialization amid isolation. After two years of field training, we decided to find a space to shelter the group from weather conditions and the curious eyes of passers-by. We also felt it was time to advance our training by purchasing equipment and installing tatami mats, enabling us to learn floor techniques and enhance our kicks. In our sessions, we learn Muay Thai, kickboxing, and self-defense techniques for the streets.

The group operates in a self-organized and anti-hierarchical manner, relying on voluntary financial contributions. While two individuals primarily organize our sessions, we strive to break the “trainer-expert” and “student” dynamic. Those who have been involved longer assist newcomers, and everyone shares their knowledge, whether it’s about other martial arts, self-defense techniques, or cardio exercises, stretching, etc.

Some of us avoided or never approached traditional martial arts gyms because we know that the competitive atmosphere, machismo, and tournament winning mindset would never fit them. Some also train in other schools but enjoy the opportunities provided by a space where we can come with our gender, wear the clothes we like, skip exercises if we choose to, and simply exist as we are. We do not tolerate any racist, sexist, homo/transphobic, ableist behavior and we stand against all shaming based on appearance or performance. Based on the program created so far, we have four training sessions a week.

We have created a Signal group for communication; every first Thursday of the month, we hold an assembly to decide on any changes to the training schedule, to organize events/screenings, discuss administrative matters related to the space, and to address desires and needs regarding the training.