Women trained to defend themselves
Women empowerment through self defence is a fundamental need in South Africa.
![](https://images.caxton.co.za/wp-content/uploads/sites/49/2018/03/13lbdefend8_67910.jpg)
WOMEN were taught how to defend themselves effectively at a ‘Woman in Jiu Jitsu’ seminar at Lion’s Den Dojo on Sunday.
Husband-and-wife team, Jason and Lt Col Maria Brown, co-ordinators of the event, said women empowerment through self-defence was a fundamental need in South Africa.
“Cognisance must be taken that the South African government now regards women and children as special needs victims. We want women to feel confident to step out there and realise they can defend themselves if they get into a situation,” they said.
The women attending the seminar were taught self defence techniques , learning the basics of self defence, standing and ground techniques and how to get themselves out of a situation where no weapons are involved.
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The seminar was presented by Dr Bunmi Ojewole, a pro fighter who specialises in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Tammy Currin, a personal trainer at Novagen whose main sport is Jiu Jitsu, and Maria Brown, a police officer who is also part of the Lion’s Den MMA Dojo. Maria also gave the women a talk on domestic violence and different types of violence, security and safety tips, stats and awareness.
“We taught the women Jiu Jitsu techniques, as this relies on leverage, and works well for women in a self defence situation. We hope to create awareness of the necessity for women to know self defence,” said Tammy.
Maria said she would be taking classes to police stations in her cluster, eThekwini Inner North, to train some of the clerical staff and police women in the art of Jiu Jitsu.
A potion of the funds raised from the event were given to local charity, HOLAH.
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