Learn to defend yourself say the experts

A recent spate of incidents in the city where joggers were attacked, robbed of their valuables and even stabbed is cause for concern for many athletes.

Some of the athletes that Review spoke to, said they did not want to run alone anymore.

How can you defend yourself when you are on a run and have no weapons at hand?

Review spoke to self-defence instructors in the city to find out how joggers could defend themselves against attackers.

Ninth grand master Henri Eksteen of Eksteen’s Martial Arts Rainbow Nation Karate Club said self-defense classes was something everybody should consider, not just runners.

“Somebody who attends self defense classes will become more alert and aware of his surroundings. Self-defense classes teach you how to defend yourself within a split second and retaliate against your attacker.

“At our club we even teach people how to disarm any assailant when they are threatened with a weapon,” Eksteen said.

Piet van Rensburg, instructor at the Pietersburg JKA Karate Club, said self-defense classes gave people more confidence, because they know they will be able to defend themselves when attacked.

“To attend two or three self defense class to cover the basics is not enough. Self-defence, like karate, has to become a way of life.

“People who attend self defense classes regularly, find that their reactions become quicker and more spontaneous with every lesson and practise session.

“I do feel that it is vital for athletes to run in groups and to stick to areas with more people around. Prevention is better than cure,” he said.

Marcia van Niekerk, karate and jujutsu instructor of the Kimura Shukokai Karate Club and Sutemi Jijutsu Club in Polokwane, said she also endorsed the idea of running in groups.

“When you run, cycle or walk alone, you are a soft target for criminals. Runners are usually attacked when they are already tired from their run and when they are attacked with no self-defense experience, they have a very slim chance of getting out of that situation.

“Running with a dog will also not deter these attackers. We have seen cases where the dogs were attacked too or ran away. If you run with a dog, that dog should be very well trained,” she said.

However, Van Niekerk said the importance of self-defense lessons and techniques could never be underestimated.

“When you retaliate against an attacked with the necessary skills, they are often surprised by that reaction and will run away,” she said.

Self-defense institutions in Polokwane:

• Carpe Diem JKA Karate Club, Annatjie van Zyl, 084 319 4280.

• Eksteen’s Martial Arts Rainbow Nation Karate Club, Henri Eksteen, 082 801 5509.

• Pietersburg JKA Karate Club, Piet van Rensburg, 082 561 5272.

• Limpopo Karate and Kickboxing, Nico Myburgh, 082 466 0964.

• Kimura Shukokai and Sutemi Jujutsu, Marcia van Niekerk, 084 288 7788.

• Ion Baciu Wrestling Club, Jan Roets, 078 610 3309.

• Polokwane Aikido Martial Arts Club, Rudi Delport, 079 660 9431.