Self-defence classes aim to help women

BENDIGO Mixed Martial Arts Academy is running six-week self-defence classes for women.

BMMA senior instructor Barry Johnson said the classes are aimed at teaching everything someone would need to know about protecting themselves.

“Traditionally, people would sign up for a self-defence course in a martial arts school that would then try to talk them into joining on a martial arts membership,” he said. “Which is kind of like chalk and cheese with what they’re looking for.

“We’ve devised a self-defence program that’s not based on any single martial art and is largely based on situational awareness, vigilance and conflict avoidance.”

Mr Johnson said the classes guide women through the three separate situations where they might find themselves at risk.

“Vigilance is about being aware and looking for certain signs that could indicate you’re in trouble, then avoiding it,” he said.

“From there, we progress onto actual physical self-defence should someone find themselves in a situation that requires it, and finally onto last resort self-defence for if someone is really in trouble.

“The program is structured so that every woman or girl can participate and become proficient.

“They don’t have to be athletically gifted. We bring out the fighting spirit in each and every person, but the most important part of our self-defence class is trying to ensure that dangerous situations don’t happen in the first place.”