Self-defence expert reveals best way to protect yourself from an attacker
INpowered founder Mark Grobbelaar shared some powerful tips on how to protect yourself in a world filled with potential threats to your safety.
INpowered is an organisation dedicated to equipping both women and men with the essential tools to protect themselves.
Their mission is to INpower people with the knowledge and options needed to make informed choices, preventing them from feeling clueless, defenceless and vulnerable to violent confrontations.
On Monday, INpowered founder Mark Grobbelaar joined 'Breakfast with Martin Bester' to talk about the anti-GBV event, Big Break, the realities of gender-based violence (GBV), and his ventures to teach all South Africans how to protect themselves.
Grobbelaar also shared some helpful tips on how to protect oneself against violence.
According to Grobbelaar, there is one foolproof way to defend yourself from an attacker. His method of teaching people how to do this is by showing them how to punch through a plank.
'Breakfast with Martin Bester' news reader Gerda de Sousa was put to the test to show that even if you think you can't punch through a plank, you can.
@jacabreakfast Self-defence expert Mark Grobbelaar proved to Gerda de Sousa that she can do something she never believed she could 🥊 You can experience this for yourself with INpowered. INpowered is an organisation dedicated to equipping both women and men with the essential tools to protect themselves. More info at inpowered.co.za #BreakfastWithMartinBester
♬ original sound - Breakfast with Martin Bester
Big Break
To empower more South African women and girls to fight against gender-based violence, INpowered has announced the re-launch of its previously shelved Big Break event. The original Big Break, scheduled for 21 November 2024 in Pretoria, was deferred for a variety of reasons, including low engagement from participants and stakeholders.
Mark Grobbelaar, founder of INpowered, says: “We received so much enthusiastic feedback, and people genuinely wanted to be involved in the Big Break. Unfortunately, very few could afford to take the time off work to attend a weekday event. Tickets weren’t selling, and sponsor marketing budgets were tight. It was the wrong time of year, and we needed to reassess our approach to the event.”
The INpowered Big Break event details
The INpowered Big Break is scheduled to take place in the same week as International Women’s Day 2026, uniting voices and fists in the fight against violence against women and children.
- Date: Wednesday, 18 March 2026
- Time: 18:00 to 21:00 (registration at 17:00 for 17:30)
- Location: The Tryst (20 Archimedes Street, Kramerville, Sandton)
- Cost: R700.00 for two people
Limited free tickets are available at this link: https://shorturl.at/y1NlU
You can also purchase your tickets here: https://inpowered.co.za/big-break-event/
Each ticket purchased allows two participants to attend, as every delegate requires a partner to complete the board break.
INpowered invites people and companies in and around Johannesburg to get involved in this record-breaking event.
“With the right support, we can make a significant difference to thousands of lives,” urges Mark. “Join us and together let’s INpower women to live more confidently and more safely, despite the state of the world around them.”
The Big Break is made possible through the generous support secured from sponsors, which include The Tryst, Melon Mobile and Identikit Marketing. INpowered will welcome further sponsorship in the months leading up to the event.
Mark Grobbelaar
Mark Grobbelaar is the founder of INpowered, incorporating WIP (Women INpowered) and GRIP (Guys Responsibly INpowered).
He holds a 6th dan in karate and has over 45 years’ experience in the personal protection field.
He delivers talks and hosts INpowered programmes for corporates, schools and small groups.
Reach him with your questions about personal protection at [email protected].
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