Secret neo-Nazi fight clubs are recruiting women to prepare for what they call a future “race war.” The underground network has spread across England and Scotland, where members use brutal martial arts sessions and fitness training to lure youngsters into fascism and whip up support for the far right.
American white supremacist leads movement
Behind the movement is American white supremacist Robert Rundo, who founded the Active Clubs network to turn combat sports into a breeding ground for extremist ideology. Rundo, who was jailed in the US in 2024 over rioting, openly praises Adolf Hitler.
Now the organisation is expanding beyond its “strictly male network” after unveiling its first women-only chapter. Writing on his website, Rundo said female clubs were vital if white nationalists were to create a “parallel society,” with the Chicago-based Active Club – Young Columbia expected to become the first of many.
UK far-right groups also targeting women
The recruitment push mirrors moves by Britain’s own far-right groups to draw more women into extremist politics. The UK-based National Rebirth Party has launched a “dedicated women’s group, which is supported by the party,” called Sisterhood of the Wolf.
Meanwhile, Patriotic Alternative leader Mark Collett, whose organisation is Britain’s largest white nationalist group, recently hosted a podcast to “discuss the role of women in the movement and the importance of women in pro-white communities.”
Active Club England distances itself
Earlier this year ministers barred seven foreign far-right activists from entering Britain ahead of a Tommy Robinson rally, including three women. Active Club England insisted it has no plans to launch an all-female branch and said Rundo has no role in its operations.
The group said women currently attend only as wives, partners or relatives at cultural events rather than training sessions. It said: “The involvement of the full community is desirable for ensuring a positive, pro-European movement as we see with the Active Club scene in Britain and abroad. It is only natural that provision is made for women to participate in the appropriate spheres as part of that overall effort.”
