Twenty women attended the seminar ©International Sambo Federation

French women have been given a unique insight into self-defence, with specific techniques and advice from the sport of sambo.

As part of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, a training seminar on self-defence was held in the French commune of Sète (Herault department).

Vice-president of the French Sambo Committee, Guillaume Alberti, gave the classes.

With a double role as coach of the French Sambo team, Alberti was perfectly placed to offer advice.

The two-hour training was attended by 20 women, who acquired skills in safe falling, along with self-defence techniques and learning how to believe in their own strengths.

The movement around the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women is gaining traction ©MARWAN ALI/EPA
The movement around the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women is gaining traction ©MARWAN ALI/EPA

"Ability to protect oneself in the event of aggression on the street or in any other place is absolutely necessary for every person, especially for women,” Alberti said.

"This can save not only one's health, but also one's life."

The International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women is November 25, with the project established by the United Nations General Assembly.

The date is in remembrance of the assassination of three sisters in 1960, who were political activists in the Dominican Republic.