Polish army to teach women self-defence for free

The Polish army is about to launch free self-defence classes for women, to teach basic fighting techniques and improve fitness.

The classes will be led by Polish army instructors and held at 30 military facilities across the country from later this month until June, the BBC reports.

The training will teach unarmed combat and will include defensive postures, breaking holds, and guarding against kicks and assaults with weapons.

The classes are open to all women over the age of 18 who are in good health.

Polish Defence Minister Antoni Macierewicz said the program would help teach woman “basic fighting techniques and, above all, improve overall physical fitness".

Some Poles, including journalist Macin Ogdowski, have criticised the programme, saying the lessons “have a propaganda dimension”.