Women’s Self-Defense Course
Women's Self-Defense Course
Train in the Himalayas.
Strengthen body and mind.
Learn real-world self-defense.
Escape to the Himalayas for a 6-day Women’s Self-Defense Course in Dharamshala.
This immersive course includes daily morning and evening self-defense training sessions specifically designed to address the real-world threats that women may encounter in everyday life. Training emphasizes practical, straightforward techniques that build confidence, awareness, and the ability to respond effectively under pressure.
The program also includes mindful stretching classes to support recovery and overall well-being, along with time to relax, recharge, and fully take in the peace and beauty of the area.
Limited spots available. Reserve yours today and prepare for an unforgettable journey!
What You Will Learn
- Basic Combatives
Gain proficiency in essential strikes, including punches, kicks, elbows, knees and headbutts.
- Escape Techniques
- Wrist and Hair Grab Techniques
- Ground Release Tactics
- Vulnerable Target Strikes
- Situational Awareness
Who This Course Is For
- Beginners
- Martial Artists
- Travelers
- Empowerment Seekers
Course Schedule
6
Days of Training
12
Women’s Self-Defense Sessions
(1.5 hours each)
6
Mindful Stretching Sessions
(1 hour each)
Women’s Self-Defense
Morning Session
- 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM
Women’s Self-Defense
Afternoon Session
- 4:00 PM – 5:30 PM
Mindful Stretching
Evening Session
- 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM
Instructors
Richard Syrop
Richard has over three decades of martial arts experience and serves as the head instructor at the Himalayan Academy of Martial Arts. He is a certified civilian and women’s self-defense instructor with the International Krav Maga Federation (IKMF), the oldest Krav Maga organization in the world. Founded by Imi Lichtenfeld, the creator of Krav Maga, IKMF is active in over 80 countries worldwide.
Richard is currently the only IKMF instructor in India certified to teach the “Stay Away!” women’s self-defense program. “Stay Away!” is the most widely taught women’s self-defense program in the world and is specifically designed to address the real-world threats women may encounter.
In addition to Krav Maga, Richard is a certified instructor in Jeet Kune Do and the Filipino Martial Arts as well as a USA boxing coach. Having mentored and trained hundreds of students in India and the United States, he brings a focused, practical approach to instruction, creating a supportive learning environment that prioritizes awareness, confidence, and effective self-protection.
Navya Kundar
Navya brings over five years of MMA experience and has trained extensively under Richard in Jeet Kune Do, Krav Maga, and boxing. Her training approach emphasizes real-world application, efficient movement, striking fundamentals, defensive awareness, and adaptability under pressure.
Backed by nearly 15 years of movement and body-conditioning experience—including Contact Improvisation with roots in Aikido principles—alongside a certified yoga teacher training background, she integrates strength, mobility, balance, and breath control into combat training.
Known for her high-energy presence and focused instruction, Navya delivers disciplined, challenging, and motivating sessions that build both physical resilience and mental readiness.
Location
Classes are held at the Himalayan Academy of Martial Arts in Upper Bhagsu, Dharamshala, surrounded by the natural beauty of the Himalayan foothills.
Accommodations
Photo from Cat & Cow homestay, located just down the road from our Academy.
Dining Options
Photo from Beetroot Cafe located right around the corner from our Academy.
How to Reach
Price
Single Participant
Two Participants
₹13,000 per person (Including taxes)
Early Bird Discount
₹12,000 (Available when booking at least 30 days in advance)
How to Book
- To secure your spot, please contact us by phone, text, or WhatsApp at +91 7718087142
- A deposit of INR 4,000 per person is required at the time of booking.
- The remaining balance is payable on the first day of the course.
Cancellation & Rescheduling Policy
- All course bookings are non-refundable due to limited availability and advance planning.
- A one-time reschedule is permitted for any future course within 12 months, at no additional cost.
- Rescheduling is not permitted within 14 days of the course start date.
Testimonials
Posted on Machig LabdronTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Our son (14 years old) started training with Richard last year, and it has been an important experience for our whole family. Richard managed to instill a genuine love for martial arts in him, inspiring our son with his enthusiasm and positive mindset. The training sessions are very dynamic. Richard does not go easy on the students, but at the same time he is always attentive, fair, and supportive. There is a clear individual approach and real involvement in the training process. Richard is a high-level coach who has learned from great masters of martial arts, including Guro Dan Inosanto, one of the few instructors certified by Bruce Lee and Kevin Kelly, the former Featherweight World Boxing Champion. We can see not only physical progress, but also increased motivation, confidence, and discipline in our son. We sincerely recommend training with Richard.Posted on Sandesh AdhikariTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I have been training here for the last two months. The last few months have been an amazing experience. This place is perfect for beginners as well as experienced ones. Richard is an outstanding trainer, very patient, experienced, and highly skilled. His guidance makes the class very interesting and he really cares about every single detail. He is really focused on helping you improve. I feel more confident and I can see great progress within myself since joining even though it’s been a short time. Highly recommended!Posted on Vaibhav SharmaTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. trained at this academy for a week and saw a noticeable improvement in my stamina, punch speed, and power....My overall fitness and shape improved in a very short time! 🥊 The coach is highly skilled, supportive, and very humble in nature, which makes training even better! Overall, this is an excellent academy for anyone who wants serious and quality training. Highly recommended!!! 🦍🥊Posted on Surya SimonTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Himalayan Academy of Martial Arts is awesome!!! I love training there and Richard is an excellent teacher. He’s well rounded and has a lot of experience, he brings something unique to every session with many surprising technique and skills. I love the vibe and would say that the place is both beginner and advanced friendly. I have a decent martial arts background and I can see how I improved and evolved quickly in my journey training at this academy. Highly recommend it.Posted on Neha MoluguTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. The best martial arts school in the area. I spent a few months learning krav maga , self defense for women and boxing with Richard and it was one the best experiences! I left feeling stronger and empowered. I also made a lot of new friends who made me more confident in myself. If you’re in the region, I’d highly recommend you drop in for one of the classes with Richard. You won’t regret it!Posted on Or WinfieldTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I went to Richard with my 5 year old son for private lessons thinking I'm doing it for my son but I also got SO MUCH out of these lessons (as well as my son) and was so empowered. Richard's energy and attitude is so warm and friendly, we both felt very comfortable very quickly. I highly recommend!Posted on Mikhail KovalevTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. The best place to study martial arts and build your body with an amazing teacherPosted on Kishan sakseriaTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Training at Richard’s Martial Arts Academy has been a life changing experience for me. I was really drawn to the Jeet Kune Do and Filipino Martial Arts classes. Training under Richard gave me far more than just techniques, it changed the way I move, think, and approach challenges. Richard trained under Guro Dan Inosanto, who learned from Bruce Lee himself, and that authentic lineage is clearly reflected in his teaching. He is patient, deeply knowledgeable, and truly cares about his students growth. Training with Richard has also greatly helped me in my spiritual journey. I’m genuinely grateful for this experience and highly recommend his Academy.Posted on YanikTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Can highly recommend this place. Richard really knows his stuff and is a great Teacher. The group sizes are perfect, you get a good mix of fun people and the coach can really take time and focus on each and every one.Posted on Lisa BoshuizenTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I have been boxing almost my entire life and only a few times have I met trainers that have helped me grow so much as Richard did. He really cares and quickly sees where you can improve. This school was a big part of why Dharamshala felt like home to me. I truly hope that I will get the chance to train here again.