Roughly seven women came the Sylvan Lake and Community Partners this morning to learn simple self defence during the Women in the Community program.
A special guest instructor, Frankie - who wishes his last name to remain anonymous - taught the women how to get away if someone was to grab them head-on or from the side.
He called it the “I have nothing” method. This involves tucking in the elbows and rotating the wrist to show there is nothing in your hands. Rotating the wrists breaks the hold leaving you a chance to get away or further defend.
“It’s so simple and easy you can do it while sitting down,” Frankie said.
The “I have nothing” method can be done with one or both wrists captured.
The women who came to the short two-hour class came for various reasons. Some wanted to learn how defend themselves should anything happen, others had stories they didn’t want to happen again.
“If you are put into a situation it is important to know how to get away,” he said, using the example of being on vacation and not knowing the area well.
Frankie also showed the women a simple move which would hit the man in the jaw using the elbow, a particularly hard some in the body.
He said the move would be used if an attacker came head-on and grabbed both wrists.
“If only one wrist is grabbed, remember you have one hand free; hit, scratch, you’ve likely to nails, use them,” Frankie said.
He cautioned the women if hitting someone to not use a fist, as it will likely break a knuckle. Instead he suggested curling the fingers down towards the palm but not closing the fist entirely.
This would be a stronger hit, with a less chance of hurting yourself.
“If you are going to strike out, do it like you mean. In an instance where you are being attacked your safety is the concern,” Frankie said.
While the session was short with simple moves learned, the women felt present said they felt more confident in their abilities.
The Women in the Community program ran out of the Community Partners’ office runs once or twice a month with various topics of interest to women. Each time the program runs the women present are treated to a different topic.
The next session will be held at Community Partners on April 27.
megan.roth@sylvanlakenews.com
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