Karate expert launches free self-defence program

A YOUNG woman with a black belt in karate has launched a free self-defence program with the aim of building a supportive community for local women.

Lily Shields, 20, began karate when she was 4 years old and has long enjoyed the confidence that comes from knowing she is able to defend herself in a confrontation.

The Drysdale resident she wants to share her resources and experience with other women to help them feel safe, empowered, confident in their capabilities and comfortable being themselves.

“I just want to get as many women involved as I possibly can, and it would be so cool to see an actual difference made,” she said.

“Just being able to have this opportunity is amazing. There’s already been so much love for [the program], which is incredible.”

Ms Shields said she has no interest in making money from the self-defence program, named Punch Like a Girl – rather, it was about helping women build their strength and possibly even make some lifelong friends.

The program’s first session will take place this Sunday, June 23 at Eastern Beach from 10am, with subsequent sessions to be held fortnightly at various locations around Geelong.

This weekend, attendees are encouraged to meet up with the group at the fountain near Pavilion Café at 9.50am, wear whatever they feel most comfortable in and bring along a yoga mat if they’d rather not exercise on grass.

“It’s going to [teach] practical self-defence [skills] that are going to help someone if they ever are in a situation where they need to defend,” Ms Shields said.

“There’s not going to be any silly techniques that are overcomplicated and such. It’s all practical – something that you actually can do that’s going to help you if you ever find yourself in a tricky situation.”

Risk assessment, learning how to sense danger and knowing when to remove oneself from a possibly unsafe situation will form a core part of the program.

Initially sessions will be led by Ms Shields, with guest instructors invited to help host future sessions and bring their unique knowledge and experience to the table.

As the program finds its feet, Ms Shields is also hoping to expand the program’s reach, organising pop-up events in coastal towns surrounding Geelong for those unable to commit to the travel into the CBD each fortnight.

Following each session, attendees will be invited to join a debrief gathering at a nearby café, helping to foster a sense of family between participants and provide a space where they can socialise and “just be [their] complete self”.

For more information, or to confirm your attendance, email [email protected]