The Heart Behind Fierce by GL

Why I Created Fierce by GL

Fierce by GL was created from a passion for helping people feel stronger, safer, and more confident in themselves.

Before becoming a trainer, I worked in the primary school sector for 15 years and earned a degree in Psychology. Those experiences continue to shape my approach to coaching, alongside my qualifications in fitness, kickboxing, and Krav Maga.

I believe movement can be just as powerful for mental wellbeing as it is for physical health.

That’s why I created sessions where women feel empowered rather than judged, where children build confidence from an early age, and where fitness feels supportive, inclusive, and accessible to everyone.

My approach combines strength, self-defence, confidence-building, and wellbeing in a way that helps people feel capable both physically and mentally.

As a trauma-informed and inclusive coach, I welcome women, children, and individuals from all backgrounds, identities, and fitness levels.

For me, training isn’t about perfection — it’s about feeling strong, confident, and comfortable in your own skin.

That’s what Fierce means to me.

Work With Me

Reviews

""I hadn’t exercised in years and was nervous to start. Gemma met me exactly where I was and built me up slowly. I feel fitter, more mobile and my confidence has grown massively.""

Massie

""I’m in my 40s and thought my best fitness years were behind me. Gemma proved me wrong. Her sessions are motivating, challenging and realistic. I feel strong, capable and proud of my body again.""

Donna

""As a busy working mum I struggled to stay consistent. Gemma takes all the thinking out of it — I just turn up and work. I’ve lost body fat, built strength and actually enjoy training now.""

Harriott

""Training with Gemma has completely changed how I feel about exercise. I used to feel intimidated in the gym, but she made everything simple, supportive and empowering. I’m stronger, leaner and so much more confident.""

Paula
1 / 4

Reviews

""Working with Gemma is a premium coaching experience. The attention, professionalism and results speak for themselves. I feel supported, accountable and stronger than ever.""

Sarah

""My child absolutely loves the sessions and talks about them all week. The mix of fun, confidence and safety skills is fantastic!""

Parent of Layla

""Gemma delivered engaging, age-appropriate sessions that built confidence and awareness in our pupils. We would happily recommend her programmes.""

Tyssen Primary School

""I needed someone who understood recovery and Gemma was perfect. She balanced challenge with care and helped me rebuild my fitness safely.""

Beth

""The self-defence sessions are incredible. I didn’t realise how empowering it would feel to learn practical skills while getting fit. Every woman should experience this.""

Rachel

""Gemma pushes you in the best way. I’m lifting weights I never thought possible and seeing the definition I’ve always wanted. Her knowledge and encouragement are unmatched.""

Paris
1 / 6

Empowering women & children through strength & self-defence

I help women, teens, and children build strength, confidence, resilience, and real-life self-defence skills through personal training, kickboxing, fitness coaching, and Krav Maga-inspired training.

At Fierce by GL, training is about more than physical fitness — it’s about helping people feel stronger mentally, emotionally, and physically.

Whether your goal is improving fitness, building confidence, learning self-defence, or simply feeling better in your own body, sessions are designed to support and empower you at every stage of your journey.

Using a supportive and inclusive approach, I create welcoming spaces where women feel empowered, children build confidence early, and fitness feels accessible rather than intimidating.

My mission is simple:
To help people feel safer, stronger, and more confident in everyday life.

Playing in mud and streams is the best thing. This is three of my nephews / nieces and one of my kids after some muddy fun at Mottisfont house in Hampshire. Mottisfont is well worth a visit, a fantastic old house set in beautiful gardens along the river Test.

KS1 & KS2 Safety & Self-Defence Programme

A trauma-informed, age-appropriate safeguarding and self-defence programme designed to build confidence, awareness, personal safety, and resilience in children aged 5–11.

Delivered by a DBS-checked former primary school education provider with a Psychology degree and 15 years of teaching experience.

Sessions are interactive and inclusive, using stories, scenario cards, visual learning, discussion, and movement to ensure all children can engage confidently, including those with SEN needs.

The focus is not on fighting, but on:

The Programme Focuses On:

  • Recognising unsafe situations

  • Trusting instincts

  • Using their voice confidently

  • Escaping safely

  • Seeking help from trusted adults

Programme Structure

Strand 1: Situational Awareness & Safety Education

Children will learn to:

  • Understand what a stranger is (offline & online)

  • Identify trusted adults and safe people

  • Trust their instincts (“gut feelings”)

  • Respond safely if lost in public places

  • Use their voice confidently and assertively

  • Understand fire awareness and emergency response

  • Recognise peer pressure and make safe choices

  • Notice hazards in everyday environments

  • Develop “super senses” for awareness

Delivered through:

  • Stories

  • Group discussion

  • Scenario cards

  • Visual prompts

  • Confidence-building activities

Strand 2: Physical Self-Defence Foundations (Age-Appropriate)

Children will learn simple, effective escape skills including:

Fighting stance and movement
Palm strike (controlled and educational)
Age-appropriate striking techniques
Wrist grab escape (single hand)
Clothing & backpack grabs
Bear hugs (front & behind)
Hand over mouth escape
Pulling or dragging response
Hair-pull escape
Stable stance when pushed
Avoiding unwanted hugs
Safe breakfalls
Final recap and consolidation session

All physical skills are:

Simple and repeatable
Non-violent and safety-focused
Taught with clear safeguarding language

Outcomes for Pupils

By the end of the programme, children will:

Feel more confident using their voice
Understand personal boundaries
Recognise unsafe situations
Know how to leave danger and get help
Show improved confidence and awareness

Safeguarding & Delivery

Trauma-informed approach
No fear-based language
No graphic or distressing content
Fully inclusive and SEN-aware
Delivered by an experienced, DBS-checked instructor (former school teacher)

Each programme is delivered as a structured safeguarding and self-defence curriculum, not individual sessions.

Funding Options

This programme may be funded through:

  • PE & Sport Premium

  • PSHE budgets

  • Safeguarding & wellbeing funding

  • Behaviour & inclusion budgets

  • PTA/enrichment funding

PSHE & Curriculum Alignment (Inspector-Safe)

PSHE / RSE

Keeping safe
Personal boundaries
Trusted relationships
Speaking up and asking for help
Online and offline safety

Safeguarding

Recognising unsafe situations
Knowing who to tell
Understanding consent and boundaries
Risk awareness

Physical Education

Balance, coordination, movement
Body awareness
Confidence in physical activity

Personal Development

Confidence
Decision-making
Emotional awareness
Resilience

Common Objections — Ready-Made Responses

“We don’t have the budget”

We can adapt the programme length to fit your budget while maintaining the quality and safeguarding focus. Many schools fund this through PSHE or PE & Sport Premium rather than PE budgets.

“We’ve never done anything like this before”

This programme is designed specifically for schools and is delivered in a calm, age-appropriate way that complements existing safeguarding and PSHE provision.

“Why is it priced this way?”

The pricing reflects curriculum planning, safeguarding-aligned delivery, age-appropriate resources, and specialist instruction. Schools are investing in a programme with measurable confidence and safety outcomes, not a one-off workshop.

“Can parents opt out?”

Yes, the programme is transparent and safeguarding-led, and we can provide a parent information overview if required.