GALLERY and VIDEO: Taking your power back
MALANSHOF – Take charge of your own safety and learn how to defend yourself.
A self-defence class is a great way to prevent an attack before it happens.
The rising crime rate in South Africa has resulted in men, women and children suffering from fear, nerves and at threat of becoming a victim. One way to tip the scales is to take your power back and know if you are attacked that you can defend yourself enough to escape.
According to Africa Checks ‘FACTSHEET South Africa: Official crime statistics for 2012/13’ in 2012 to 2013, 2 266 women were murdered, and 141 130 women were victims of attempted murder, assault GBH and common assault.
KJD Martial Arts Academy in Malanshof offers self-defence classes for men, women and children. Taekwondo Grand Master Kwanjangnim Lee uses principles from most forms of martial arts such as, taekwondo, judo and jujitsu.
Africa Check’s fact sheet further revealed, “Street or public robberies increased by 2 534 cases to a total of 60 262 incidents. This is 4.4 per cent higher than the 57 728 incidents recorded the previous year. It means that every day on average there were 166 cases of street robbery in 2012/13.”
The classes teach the students different techniques to disarm an attacker with both a gun and a knife. By using just your body – whether it be one or two attackers (left- or right-handed) – the person is enviably injured enough to give you time to escape or is flat on the floor. Grand Master Lee said, “Martial Arts is about respect and respecting yourself is giving yourself the power to protect your life.”
The class is also great for fitness which is another key factor in defending oneself. The techniques like judo use the attackers’ body weight against them. Grand Master Lee also teaches how to use the moves in a safe manner which won’t result in causing you any harm, which can often happen when incorrectly punching or kicking.
After recently attending a class one is left with not only having worked up a considerable sweat, but feeling empowered.
Details: KJD Martial Arts Academy ,Malanshof Shopping Centre, Hans Schoeman Street, 071 686 9949.
Related stories:
Taekwondo grading starts at a young age
