One of the most dynamic and anticipated events of the “16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence” campaign took place in the North Kazakhstan Region — a self-defense master class for girls and women. This year’s venue, the Alexander Vinokurov Sports Palace, was filled to capacity: more than 70 participants — schoolgirls, students, and representatives of youth organizations — came not only to learn self-defense techniques, but also to gain a sense of inner strength.
The master class is being held for the third year in a row with the support of the National Commission on Women’s Affairs and Family and Demographic Policy under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan. In her opening remarks, Commission member Elena Semidotskikh emphasized that such initiatives are part of a systemic effort to prevent violence and promote a culture of respect:
“Self-defense is not aggression. It is self-respect. It is the protection of one’s dignity. And I hope each of you will leave today not only with new techniques, but with a sense of personal strength that stays with you forever,” she said.
This year’s team of trainers was particularly impressive. The master class was led by champions whose names are well known in the worlds of boxing and karate.
The boxing session was led by Natalia Bogdanova, a member of Kazakhstan’s national team and the 2025 World Boxing Champion. She demonstrated basic defense techniques, taught how to control distance, and explained how to act in stressful situations.
A powerful karate block in Kyokushin was delivered by instructors of the North Kazakhstan Kyokushin Federation — athletes who have each proven that one can start martial arts at any age and achieve outstanding results:
·Sensei Viktoria Vitchenko — 3rd-degree black belt, International Master of Sport
·Saniya Zhakan — 2nd-degree black belt, World Championship medalist, European and Kazakhstan Champion
·Olga Podgurskaya — Russian Cup Champion, medalist of Eurasia and Kazakhstan
·Lyudmila Butenko — Absolute World Champion, World Championship bronze medalist, 3rd-degree black belt; began karate at 40 and is now 56
·Svetlana Malikhtarovich — World Cup bronze medalist in kumite, silver medalist of the Absolute World Championship; began training at 45 and became Champion of Asia, Eurasia, and Kazakhstan
The trainers’ stories became a separate source of inspiration: many participants openly admitted how impressed they were to see women who had broken stereotypes about age and possibility.
During the master class, participants practiced escape techniques from holds, methods for preventing conflict situations, and basic defense elements. Instructors focused not only on physical skills but also on the psychological aspect — how to stay composed, assess risks, and use voice and body positioning to prevent an attack.
Despite the seriousness of the topic, the atmosphere in the hall was one of support and energy: participants helped each other, laughed, tried, made mistakes, tried again — and with each exercise became more confident.
The event marked another important step in the region’s efforts to raise awareness among women, strengthen personal safety, and promote a culture of non-violence. And judging by how the 70 girls and women left the training — inspired, focused, and empowered — this work is already delivering real results.
The master class is being held for the third year in a row with the support of the National Commission on Women’s Affairs and Family and Demographic Policy under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan. In her opening remarks, Commission member Elena Semidotskikh emphasized that such initiatives are part of a systemic effort to prevent violence and promote a culture of respect:
“Self-defense is not aggression. It is self-respect. It is the protection of one’s dignity. And I hope each of you will leave today not only with new techniques, but with a sense of personal strength that stays with you forever,” she said.
This year’s team of trainers was particularly impressive. The master class was led by champions whose names are well known in the worlds of boxing and karate.
The boxing session was led by Natalia Bogdanova, a member of Kazakhstan’s national team and the 2025 World Boxing Champion. She demonstrated basic defense techniques, taught how to control distance, and explained how to act in stressful situations.
A powerful karate block in Kyokushin was delivered by instructors of the North Kazakhstan Kyokushin Federation — athletes who have each proven that one can start martial arts at any age and achieve outstanding results:
·Sensei Viktoria Vitchenko — 3rd-degree black belt, International Master of Sport
·Saniya Zhakan — 2nd-degree black belt, World Championship medalist, European and Kazakhstan Champion
·Olga Podgurskaya — Russian Cup Champion, medalist of Eurasia and Kazakhstan
·Lyudmila Butenko — Absolute World Champion, World Championship bronze medalist, 3rd-degree black belt; began karate at 40 and is now 56
·Svetlana Malikhtarovich — World Cup bronze medalist in kumite, silver medalist of the Absolute World Championship; began training at 45 and became Champion of Asia, Eurasia, and Kazakhstan
The trainers’ stories became a separate source of inspiration: many participants openly admitted how impressed they were to see women who had broken stereotypes about age and possibility.
During the master class, participants practiced escape techniques from holds, methods for preventing conflict situations, and basic defense elements. Instructors focused not only on physical skills but also on the psychological aspect — how to stay composed, assess risks, and use voice and body positioning to prevent an attack.
Despite the seriousness of the topic, the atmosphere in the hall was one of support and energy: participants helped each other, laughed, tried, made mistakes, tried again — and with each exercise became more confident.
The event marked another important step in the region’s efforts to raise awareness among women, strengthen personal safety, and promote a culture of non-violence. And judging by how the 70 girls and women left the training — inspired, focused, and empowered — this work is already delivering real results.