Nina Reaney’s mission to help women fight back
Cage fighter Nina Reaney will mentor women through tailored classes
Tough cage fighter Nina Reaney is launching coaching and empowerment sessions for women who have experienced domestic abuse.
The 44-year-old single mother of three will mentor women through tailored classes at the S18 gym in Dronfield.
She is hoping to attract women from Dronfield, Sheffield, Chesterfield and the wider area living in fear or recovering from abuse.
The aim is for women to regain control of their lives.
Nina describes herself as a domestic abuse survivor, following experiences dating back decades.
She hopes she can find a way for others to navigate towards a happier and safer lifestyle, as she has done herself.
The Sheffield Council-employed child practitioner told The Star that she had been abused in the past. As a result, she suffered from years of low self-esteem and insecurity.
After watching coach Andy Marlow's MMA sessions, though, she started her personal fight back.
"MMA came into my life in 2020" she said.
"My self-esteem had been lacking but training and MMA changed my whole life. I am unrecognisable from the person I was then."
The five-feet three inches Halfway woman points out that she had never been "sporty" in her earlier life.
"I had no interest in competitive sport. I did some boxercise just for fitness. But I didn't think I was getting the most out of it.
"Then I saw Andy through a window in his MMA class. I had got to a point in my life where, rather than just take a little step forward I wanted to throw myself into something that looked absolutely terrifying!
"I found it all quite intimidating at first, I was the only girl. Andy noticed I flinched during MMA sessions, which was something to do with the past.
"I didn't realise I was doing it until Andy said I had to keep my eyes open!"
The new physical and mental training has paid dividends.
"Now I am confident and there is nothing I feel I cannot do" she said.
"Nothing fazes me. Nothing is out of my reach. I have been a public speaker to a massive audience...I am a completely different person.
"Before I didn't want to get out of bed on some days, now I just get on with it."
The former Westfield School and Hallam University student now wants to help anybody going through personal trauma of any description, so she can instil confidence, physical and mental power and a sense of control over their lives.
The women-only empowerment session will start on Wednesday, September 2, (1pm-2:30pm.) They will be non-contact exercises.
Nina added: "I've never done anything like this before. The aim is for one class a week, building up a network and confidence. It is massive for some women just to leave the house for an hour.
"When they are ready - and I will not be pushing anyone - then maybe some self defence techniques may follow.
"Our 'Fight Back' message is not about being physical, it is more about getting through every day, the ability to leave the house and get your life back in order and getting your identity back."