Salford Karate has been forced to postpone their women’s self-defence classes due to the COVID-19 outbreak.
But instructors Heero Miketta and Antje Timmermann have decided to host two online inductions for free next week.
Mr Miketta and Ms Timmermann will provide women with all the knowledge they need on how to defend themselves in dangerous situations right from their own homes.
Ms Timmermann said: “It won’t be exactly the same format as we have planned for the original class but there is quite a lot of theoretical knowledge on who is actually a danger.
“We are going to offer two 45-minute sessions on Monday 18 May at 1 pm and 6 pm on Zoom.
“We are looking forward to meeting everyone.”
Mr Miketta said: “There are a lot of things that are misunderstood when it comes to self-defence, especially for women.
“It is deeply worrying that women have to learn to defend themselves just in order to be safe.”
He continued: “This is one of the important messages during the classes, if women are in a situation and it gets dangerous then they know what to do and how to stop it.”
Ms Timmermann added: “It is about dealing with who I am in society and I am allowed to stand up for myself.
“The classes are supposed to empower women and not put them under pressure.”
Salford CVS has said that COVID-19 will have serious impacts on the lives of women facing domestic abuse.
Women’s Aid has been informed that a lot of women feel unsafe with the prospect of isolating with their perpetrator.
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Salford Karate’s induction will help women in these scenarios learn how to avoid danger and conflict.
Mr Miketta said: “A lot of women feel much more threatened than men do.
“On the other hand most of the violence women are subjected to can be stopped in its tracks in a rather easy way.”
Ms Timmermann added: “There is a lot of social pressure, especially on women to behave in a certain way and not speak up.
“Self-defence does not start with kicking or punching, that is when the situation has escalated.”
She continued: “It is the awareness of I have a right to be treated in a respectful way and communicating this right gives me a chance of people not crossing my boundaries.”
Salford Karate is hopeful that they will do practical self-defence classes for women in the future.
Join the Women’s Self Defence Online page on Facebook to find out how to join the Zoom meetings.
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