19
Sept
Women's free self defence class launches in Harrogate
A free women's self-defence seminar is being held in Harrogate this week.
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu academy Gracie Barra Harrogate is running the seminar at the Zone on Hornbeam Park on Friday (20th September).
The class is being held in response to the national emergency that has been declared on violence against women and girls.
It is also being held ahead of Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) in October.
No experience of Jiu Jitsu or background level of fitness is required and all women over the age of 15 can attend.
The seminar aims to build confidence for women of all ages in the Harrogate community.
A pervious self defence class held by the company
The 90-minute class will teach women simple yet effective self-defence techniques.
Four coaches including black belt instructors will demonstrate distance management and common scenarios, followed by a Q and A session for all attendees.
The session will cover how to create a good base, how to reverse a move if someone has you pinned and more general safety tips.
Gracie Barra Harrogate was founded in 2016 by Lewis Matthews and Geoffrey Cumbus, it offers Brazilian Jiu Jitsu for ages 3 to 60 and the company also has a branch in Appley Bridge.
Lewis Matthews, head instructor at the Harrogate branch of Gracie Barra, told the Stray Ferret it will be a “great opportunity to build awareness around women’s safety and self-defense.”
Lewis Matthews at Harrogate's Gracie Barra Brazilian jiu-jitsu academy.
He added:
The ethos behind the session is to support women in the local area and offer free sessions to show what Jiu Jitsu has to offer. It will teach something that can be put into practice immediately.
We are passionate about sharing Jiu Jitsu for everyone and we want to provide opportunities for women to train together in an inclusive space.
Mr Matthews said that the seminar “has a lot to do with the unfortunate reality” of women needing self-defence.
According to the National Police Chief’s Council, there are two million women each year estimated to be victims of male violence.
There are 3,000 offences of violence against women and girls recorded each day and 1 in 12 women are victims each year.
Mr Matthews said:
The unfortunate reality is that everyone should be able to do things without needing this but a lot of the time we should be prepared.
Even if we just do a little bit to raise awareness it just opens people’s eyes to reduce their risk of being vulnerable and helps to increase personal safety.
We also want to help spread an appreciation and passion for Jiu Jitsu.
The session has capacity for 40 women and there are currently 35 people registered.
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