Kickboxer in a ‘call to action’ after fighting off attacker on a run

Afemale world kickboxing champion from Perth was assaulted by a man while out on a mid-morning run near her home in Edinburgh.

Natasha Baldwin, a former Perth Grammar student, was running on Lauriston Farm Road in the capital when she was grabbed by an unknown male who said “hello beautiful”.

The 10-time kickboxing champion managed to escape the man’s grasp. However, he clutched at her again, forcing Natasha to punch him in the face so she could escape.

Following the assault Natasha, 30, ran home and reported the incident to the police and her husband Kevin.

Kevin, speaking on behalf and with the permission of Natasha, thought it was important to highlight the incident in light of recent events in London surrounding the death of Sarah Everard.

Natasha and Kevin have a three-year-old daughter and said it was their collective job to change society to benefit young girls growing up.

Describing the assault, Kevin said: “She was running towards him and as she passed him he grabbed her by the arm and said ‘hello beautiful’.

“She ran past and he grabbed her again.

“Natasha managed to get one punch off and ran home, leaving him on the floor.”

Kevin believes his wife was lucky that she was able to defend herself in such a situation, but the couple are aware that not everyone has the training Natasha possesses.

They are now starting free women’s self-defence classes at Wolfpack Martial Arts in the city and have called for other clubs to provide the same.

“We’re going for a call of action,” said Kevin.

“We think we can make a difference and we will try to make a difference.

“But it should go without saying that this shouldn’t be happening.

“But these local and recent events prove it can happen anywhere.”

The couple have already had requests from women asking to sign up to the classes, saying they have had similar experiences.

“We’ve got a three-yearold-daughter so it hits home more than ever,” said Kevin.

“That’s why we’re having this call to action, to try and change it.”

Police Scotland confirmed they were investigating the incident.

Inspector Graeme Dignan said: “We are investigating a report of a woman being stopped by a man on Lauriston Farm Road, Edinburgh, around 10.30am on Thursday, March 18.

“We understand the concern that this will cause local residents. However, I can assure them that, whilst the investigation is at an early stage, we will pursue all lines of inquiry.”

He asked anyone with information regarding the incident to contact the police, quoting incident 0966 of March 18.

“We

think we can make a difference

SPEAKING OUT: Kickbox champion Natasha Baldwin has told of putting her training to use after a man grabbed her while she was out running.