The Project

The Fighting for Sustainable Empowerment (FSE) Project, funded as a UM-SSHRC, aimed to develop and implement a pilot pedagogical model for the empowerment of newcomer students identifying as women through a University-based feminist karate program, which combines sports karate training and feminist theoretical classes. As a part of the project, women at the University of Manitoba gather to learn karate every Saturday night with Dr. Fabiana Turelli.

Native from Brazil, Dr. Turelli, a blackbelt in Karate, and U of M assistant professor, has travelled the world fighting and has researched and written on topics such as gendered spaces in karate, toxic masculinity and hierarchy in sports, and inclusivity. Kin to the physical and emotional training of karate, ten students from around the world participated in the pilot project with feminist theory classes where they talked about their personal experiences with gendered violence and harassment, family patriarchal violence, and learned ways to challenge oppression in sport, and society. They aim to create a karate studio, research lab and community centre for sustainable empowerment, where people identifying as women can learn karate, self-protection, and feminist theory in a safe space, overcoming trauma.

Together with participants, Dr. Turelli decided to create a film showcasing the project. The documentary project was a recipient of the CHRR’s 2024-25 Small Grants program, which helps University of Manitoba Faculty get new, interdisciplinary human rights research projects off the ground. A screening was held in November 2025 to showcase the documentary.

In January 2026, the FSE project expanded, when five new women participants joined. The feminist theory classes and training continued. The group also met up informally for extra practice and to celebrate International Women’s Day. The focus shifted from building the community to consolidating it. The more experienced participants acted as mentors to these new participants, demonstrating a hierarchy of responsibility in practice. A research assistant from the UK joined the project in February 2026 to learn its method and approach to equip them with the skills to implement a pilot study at their home institution. These new participants earned their yellow belts at the belt Ceremony on April 11, while last years’ participants progressed to Orange belt. A summary film showing the belt ceremony can be watched below. A lab space has also now been secured for the group.  

Themes: Family Patriarchal Violence, Women’s Empowerment, Harassment, Feminism, Consent Culture, Voice

Project Goals

This documentary project aims to challenge internalized misogyny, fight patriarchy and create a space for women to strengthen their voices and bodies.

Key Messages

• Having a voice
• No More Silencing
• Strong Mind and Strong Body
• Empowerment through Karate
• Karate as Healing

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Previous Events

For more information on the project, please contact Fabiana.Turelli@umanitoba.ca.