As we are amid Women’s Month, women and children are still not safe in South Africa and globally. Taking on self-defence classes is not only a useful skill to have but very important for one to be able to protect themselves. Self-defence classes can also help build confidence, improve physical and mental fitness, and provide healing from trauma.
However, did you know the United Nations reported that on average, one in three women globally has experienced physical or sexual violence in their lifetime, usually from an intimate partner?
According to the Western Cape Government murder increased by 22.2% in the country in the comparison period of 2020/21, and in the Western Cape, it increased by 12.3% (by 111 cases). In addition, there were 1 015 murders recorded in the Western Cape for the period January to March 2022, compared with 904 in 2020 and 2021.
Why not this month explore chances and take on self-defence classes? There is a wide range of practices, options, and techniques for learning self-defence. Here is a round-up of local options:
Women’s Self Defence:
The Women’s Self Defence team provide basic training to enable women to defend themselves.
The courses they offer aim to cover the possible or likely situations for women, in the event of being attacked. Students can also learn to kick, knee, strike, and elbow effectively. They also learn about specific attack scenarios, including techniques and responses to various situations on the ground.
The classes are suitable for women who would like to improve their self-defence abilities and fitness in a safe, fun, and challenging environment.
Find them:
- Website: wsdo.co.za
- Email: [email protected]
- Facebook: Women’s Self Defence
Elite Defence Academy:
Elite Defence Academy is an independent South African-based training group offering ongoing courses and workshops in Krav Maga. A combined-martial-arts self-defence system was originally developed for the Israel Defence Forces.
The academy’s instructors have been trained by several high-ranking Israeli Krav Maga authorities as well as well-respected, international combative and martial arts instructors in the past.
They have regular weekly classes, they also offer kids workshops, corporate workshops as well as women’s workshops to teach participants how to avoid life-threatening situations, and what to do if they can’t be avoided.
Classes: Ongoing classes and workshops.
Location: Classes and workshops are held in various locations, such as Blouberg, Bellville, Eversdal, Melkbos, Milnerton, Tableview, Somerset West, Rondebosch, Pinelands
Find them here:
- Tel: 087 150 8177
- Website: www.edacpt.co.za
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @elitedefence
Chinese Martial Arts and Health Centre
Watch:
Founded in 1986, The Chinese Martial Arts and Health Centre’s teaching system is based on highly regarded, pre-eminent martial arts masters but beyond teaching traditional styles of Kung Fu, Tai Chi and Chi Gung, they offer Tactical Kung Fu Training (TKT) programme.
Participants learn practical self-defence applications in real-life situations such as knife and gun attacks.
The Chinese Martial Arts Centre teaches a style called “The Purple Cloud System”, as well as a specific form of Chi Kung to develop methods for self-defence.
Classes: Mondays to Saturdays. Find out about schedules and ongoing tactical training courses here.
Location: 1st Fish Hoek Scout Hall, 58 Upper Recreation Rd | 85 Station Rd, Observatory.
Find them here:
- Tel: 082 568 0240
- Website: www.kung-fu.co.za
- Email: [email protected]
- Facebook: The Chinese Martial Arts & Health Centre
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