Self defence classes all the ‘Rage’
Local resident offers his help to schools and parents at upcoming Matric Rage festivals.
FOR many matriculants, the Rage festival is the best part of their final year at school, offering pupils a chance to break free after working an extremely tough year. However, it is also a time for anxiety and worry for parents. The festival takes place at various venues in Ballito, uMhlanga and Durban North, and attracts tens of thousands of school-leavers.
One uMhlanga parent, Derek Krummeck, feels the festival has offered an opportunity for him to share his knowledge with local pupils in the area, particularly young girls. What’s more, the karate instructor is offering to teach the girls how to defend themselves for free.
“I’ve been involved in karate and self-defence for the past 35 years, and when my son matriculated last year, I saw first-hand how situations can go pear-shaped when alcohol and girls are involved. I’ve approached a few girls’ schools where I talk to pupils about what to look out for, but also offer them tips on how to escape a situation using certain techniques.
“In the past I’ve heard horror stories of girls being subjected to forceful, drunk bullies and their unwanted attention. Girls don’t know who to turn to or how to get away from a situation using minimum force,” he said.
Krummeck has begun the Rage Daughter Protection programme, where he will also be on stand-by for female matric pupils should they feel threatened or vulnerable.
“As well as teaching girls self-defence, I’ve also decided to offer my protection services to parents (for a fee) in the area to make sure their daughters are safe. I will be in uMhlanga, just minutes away from where Rage takes place. The initiative has been welcomed by parents and some schools and I hope to keep the momentum going,” he said.
E-mail derekkrummeck@gmail.com for more information.
