AFTER the recent unrest across KZN, self-defense has become a high priority for many residents in Durban. Umbilo martial arts gym, Lion’s Den SA recently shared tips for safe and responsible self- defense through Ju-jitsu. This week, a member of the gym, Amy Isaacs tells the Berea Mail about her love for mixed martial arts (MMA), Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) and all things adventurous.
Isaacs is a local resident and fourth year medical student, studying in Umbilo.
“I started training MMA and Jiu-jitsu about a month or two prior to the pandemic,” she said.
While she had to return to her home in Port Elizabeth during the pandemic, Isaacs took up MMA again at the beginning of this year. She was drawn to the sport by her desire to take up a new challenge.
“I walk everywhere and many times I am alone late at night on campus in the library. Since I started my clinical years, I am in hospital everyday and there are many times I must walk alone, and it can be scary,” she said.
Read the original article here: Umbilo martial arts gym shares tips for self-defense
She recounted a dangerous encounter she had on the streets of Durban.
“At one of the hospitals where I spent a rotation, there was an incident where two of the delivery truck drivers ganged up on me in a secluded area and told me to get into the car. If it wasn’t for MMA and BJJ training, I would not have had the ability to stay calm and act swiftly to save my life. In the moment I was paralysed with fear and could hardly get myself to move – but I heard my coach’s voice in the back of my head saying, ‘You are small, yes. They think you are vulnerable, yes. But you need to move, Amy,’ Because of that I was able to get out of that situation,” said Isaacs.
More than self-defence
For Isaacs, MMA has offered her a sense of purpose and community.
“First and foremost you gain humility, you go to your first training session, and you are amazed by people’s abilities and how the highest belts in the room are helping you, encouraging you and adding you to WhatsApp group chats. You gain somewhat of a sense of purpose and a reason to get out of bed and move your body- to go to training. It not only improves fitness but improves your overall health. Your perspective on life changes and your attitude changes. You learn self-discipline, self-control, strength, and mobility,” she said.
Isaacs has also noticed how MMA unifies the community at large.
“There is never any judgement, you come as you are and you learn the art. If you walk into a martial arts gym, you’ll see police officers mixing with ex-criminals, the rich mixing with the poor, and all races working together regardless of class, social status, or religion. There are no false pretences or judgment. There is only love, respect, and unity. The world would be a better place if it was like a martial arts gym,” she added.
Empowering women
Isaacs encourages other women to take up MMA.
Also read: Women’s Month: Combatting GBV for three decades and counting
“I think it is vital that women learn self-defence because in all honesty, no one is going to save you. It is important to take the initiative to start because it empowers you, you not only gain more confidence, patience, and self-control, but you gain a family of people who respect you and want you to succeed in all areas of your life. I can’t remember my life before BJJ and MMA,” she added.
“I believe that doing BJJ or MMA is one of the best decisions a women could make. I would highly recommend it, and to any women living in Durban or studying in Durban or just visiting- to try BJJ and MMA at Carlson Gracie Lions Den. My words and recommendations are just words- try it for yourself and see your life change for the better- in many ways,” she added.
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