When fighting can be a woman's job

Shootfighting should come with the warning, 'Not for sissies', I think as I walk through the dark alleyway under the Kilburn railway arches to reach the class - a thought that's confirmed when I set foot in the dojo. Gathered here are all the blokes you've ever thought of running away from. And their big brothers. We're talking a different species of man. Men with necks so big a Michelin tyre might just do as a necklace.

My first thought is to peg it. But I head for the women's changing room, where - no prizes for guessing - I find myself alone. Given that shootfighting has nothing to do with guns, but everything to do with fighting - it's a hybrid of kickboxing and submission wrestling - being the only woman could prove a disadvantage.

'Have you ever done any wrestling?' asks coach Alexis, who looks like he kills lions with his bare hands. 'Only play-fights,' I reply sheepishly. His look implies I could be in for a blow, quite literally.

The warm-up starts easily enough with a bit of running, stretching and cartwheeling. Then the real fun begins. 'Sprawl!' hollers Alexis and 40 heavy men drop to the floor with a thud - one woman stays standing. Within a second they're back on their feet. 'Sprawl!' he hollers again. And again. And again. Then come the squats, sit-ups, push-ups and star-jumps.

When the gladiators are glistening with sweat, Alexis and co-coach Paul start demonstrating some shootfighting techniques. First, we're introduced to the guillotine, a choke move that will have your opponent spluttering for breath if done correctly. We're then shown how to take an enemy down using our legs. My first opponent is the international Vale Tudo ('anything goes') champion. He's got a knee injury and a chest infection, so I should be OK... It takes me a moment to get over the fact that I'm lying on the floor, legs wrapped around a Lycra-clad bundle of muscle. But once I do, I really get into the grappling business. It's like fighting with your kid brother - anything goes. Except here, Mummy won't come to the rescue.

Shootfighting, Meidokan Aikido Dojo, Unit 11A, The Arches, Maygrove Road, NW6. £6. For details call 020-7372 9866 or visit www.londonshootfighters.com