Women learn self-defence

Self-defence classes are seeing women growing in strength and confidence at Dynamic Health at Northview Shopping Centre.

Ignite Energy, Dynamic Health and Alpha Health Professionals have partnered to take a stand against violence against women and children in South Africa. They have done this by hosting self-defence classes led by personal trainer and self-defence coach, Sithembiso Mathaba and sponsored by Ignite Energy. The first class was described as an amazing, fun-filled and educational day. The class was free, and Dynamic Health hosted 10 women while following all health and safety protocols.

Safety protocols on the day included everyone arriving with a face mask, as no masks meant no entry. People had to register their information, temperatures were taken and hands were sanitised.

The studio and workout mats were sanitised before the class, and all hands and mats were sanitised every half-hour.

“Unfortunately, self-defence does require students to have contact with each other as that is the easiest and most efficient way to learn self-defence moves,” explained Deneye Breedt, financial manager of Dynamic Health.

“We are however looking at amending the self-defence class structure to minimize physical contact and to find ways to teach moves to students without close interaction.”

The day kicked off with an inspirational talk by TV/radio personality, Lee-Ann Sayster and then the women jumped in and learned some useful self-defence moves.”Self-defence is about learning to protect yourself when you are in a dangerous situation, however, everything cannot be learned in one hour and numerous classes are needed to perfect this,” said Breedt.

“Self-defence teaches women how to react in a dangerous situations, not engage in a drawn out fight, but to do things to get you out of the dangerous situation as quickly and efficiently as possible.”

She said the women walked out of the classes with basic knowledge of what to do when attacked by someone, where a person’s weak points are and some basic self-defence rules.”Abuse and violence against women is a profoundly serious issue in our country and together we would like to make a difference in women’s lives by giving them the tools to defend themselves should they have to.”

Breedt said the classes will be ongoing at the Dynamic Health gym in North Riding and will be presented at a minimum cost, enough to cover expenses.”We know that self-defence classes are quite expensive and out of many women’s reach, that is why we are keeping costs at an absolute minimum.”She encouraged women who are interested in finding out more, or perhaps men who know of women who may be interested, to contact the gym.

Details: Dynamic Health info@dynhealth.co.za