Animal rights protectors learn how to protect themselves

NORTH RIDING – Staff at the Randburg SPCA learn how to defend themselves.

It seems only right that those who fight to protect our animals, should learn how to protect themselves.

The Randburg SPCA welcomed the Fourways-based self-defence team, Urban Warefare SA, to teach the staff some new tricks. Their internationally certified Krav Maga, A.C.T and firearms instructors tailor make each class or lesson.

All Covid-19 regulations and santisitation protocols were adhered to, as well as the team teaching smaller classes over the next couple of weeks.

While, as a South African, one is always aware of a potential threat (due to the high levels of violent crimes in our country), one should not live in fear but remain vigilant and ready. Quarterly crime statistics, as announced by Minister of Police Bheki Cele on 14 August, indicated that between the period of April and June this year 112 murders, 322 incidents of rape and 3 364 assault incidents with intent to cause grievous bodily harm (GBH) were reported to police stations across the country.

You can defend yourself from an attacker by kicking them with your shin by their knee. Photo: Ashtyn Mackenzie

The ‘OODA loop’ poster used to teach stages of readiness. Photo: Ashtyn Mackenzie

Colour code of mental awareness created by Urban Warfare SA. Photo: Ashtyn Mackenzie

It is important to learn how to break free if someone grabs you by the wrists. Photo: Ashtyn Mackenzie

Randburg SPCA’s staff members Sibone Witbooi and Theo Mahube learn how to break free if an attacker grabs you. Photo: Ashtyn Mackenzie

Kaylie Henderson learns how to elbow an attacker in self-defence. Photo: Ashtyn Mackenzie

Joe Harmse teaches young Caitlyn Morgan how to hit someone to push them away from you. Photo: Ashtyn Mackenzie

Annie Kluson demonstrates with Joe Harmse where to hit someone on the chin. Photo: Ashtyn Mackenzie

SPCA staff members learned about the ‘colour code of mental awareness’, useful in any self-defence situation.

Colour code of mental awareness created by Urban Warfare SA. Photo: Ashtyn Mackenzie

• Black (in the fight)

• Red (ready to fight)

• Orange (recognise a specific potential threat)

• Yellow (situational awareness)

• White (unaware – potential victim)

There are four steps to learn how to react in a situation; always remember OODA

The ‘OODA loop’ poster used to teach stages of readiness. Photo: Ashtyn Mackenzie

1.Observe

2.Orient

3. Decide

4. Act

Often SPCA members have to put themselves in personal danger in order to rescue an animal or attend to a cruelty investigation.

Joe Harmse from Urban Warefare said, “It makes sense that if a person is prone to hurting an animal, they won’t hesitate to hurt you.” In many cases, team members have had to fight off angry mobs or defend themselves against an angry owner. A senior inspector at the Randburg society, Shiven Bodasing, was the one who discussed the course with the Urban Warefare team.

Together they came up with a programme that will teach basic defensive skills and develop into more complicated maneuvers, such as defending yourself against a weapon. On the first day of the course interesting moves like, ‘how is your lunch’ and ‘leg, knee, groin’ were taught.

One of the instructors Annie Kluson stressed the motto, “Live on your own terms.” Despite the very serious nature and need for the ability to defend yourself, there were still a lot of smiles and a good spirit felt all around. Details: info@urban-warfare.co.za

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