Posted on May 01, 2025

Logo of Women2Women Self-Defense Club.

By taking a trip over to the Kaplan Center, you’re bound to find something new to try. For a lot of students, it’s the strengthing of their core muscles, setting fitness goals, or joining activities that get the heart rate up and pumping. Women2Women Self Defense (W2W) blends all these components with techniques that could save someone’s life like breaking a grip or escaping a choke. 

“Women2Women at UNCG is more than just a sports club – it’s a safe haven where women come together to learn practical self-defense skills, develop mental resilience, and support one another.” 

Ally Beatty, president

You don’t have to be an expert when it comes to martial arts. W2W welcomes all skill levels. Ally Beatty, president of W2W says it made her more confident in her ability to protect herself. Beyond self-defense, W2W is about unity with other women, uplifting each other, and lending a helping hand where others fall short. 

The organization focuses on situational awareness, emotional resilience, and works closely with survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault to provide resources that cultivate healing and growth. 

Beatty covers ground on what involvement looks like in W2W: 

Self-Defense Workshops: Our hands-on training sessions, led by expert martial arts instructors, are always a favorite. 

Situational Awareness & Safety Talks: These sessions help members learn how to identify and avoid dangerous situations. 

Collaboration Events: We’ve partnered with groups like No Labels to expand our impact, bringing in guest speakers and trainers to engage more students in our mission. 

Here at UNCG, W2W has expanded significantly in membership, outreach, and programming. We’ve partnered with other student organizations, hosted larger self-defense workshops, and collaborated with community initiatives to spread awareness about women’s safety. We’ve continued to thrive and provide a safe space for individuals of all walks of life on campus. 

W2W provides students with essential self-defense skills, but more importantly, it gives them confidence and a sense of security. It offers a supportive network of strong women, mentorship opportunities, and a place to destress while learning something truly valuable. Many members leave not just with skills, but with lifelong friendships and a renewed sense of empowerment.

Students interested in W2W can connect through Spartan Connect. Students are required to fill out the Club Sports Waiver before practicing.

Walk into the room and leave feeling prepared for anything. It’s a great way to take advantage of the real-world opportunities when they present themselves. 

Story by Lauren Segers, University Communications 
Photography courtesy of Women2Women 

Two people engage in a self defense simulation

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