Self-defence skills needed today
Awareness is “your first line of defence” was the overriding message at a self-defence class hosted by Multi Security in partnership with Rotary and Round Table at the Port Alfred Civic Centre recently.
The second most important lesson was to be a united front as a community.
“You are stronger together as a community,” Multi Security’s Clinton Millard said.
He and David ‘Dog’ Branford first demonstrated how quickly criminals moved when attacking someone.
“That’s to show you how quickly things happen,” Millard said.
They then equipped the group with a “toolbox” of basic selfdefence techniques.
Millard said violent crime and gender-based violence was on the increase in SA and in the world.
Fear hampered women not just in their daily lives, especially in rural areas, but in the workplace as well.
Psychological and physical abuse was also the lived reality for many women in their own homes, he said.
“Sexual abuse is real in our community here,” Millard said. Addressing the men in the room, he said: “It’s time for you guys to stand up and be a man who stops domestic abuse against women.”
Millard said women were good decision makers.
“That’s why your best firefighters and police officers are women, because they assess the situation first,” Millard said.
Be careful how you use social media, Millard warned.
“Criminals get a lot of information on social media platforms.” Most of all, said Millard, “stay alert”.
“Awareness is your first line of defence: never drop your guard and show your assertiveness in any situation,” he said.
“The biggest mistake you will ever make is walking around with your eyes on your cellphone.
“Cellphones must be in your bag,” he added.
“That ‘kind’ stranger who offers to carry your bags for you? There are very few good Samaritans out there who really want to carry your shopping bags,” he said.
Millard and Branford taught participants techniques including the hammer punch, throat punch, nose smash and how to break free from an arm-grab.
Participants also learnt the effectiveness of a kick to the knee or groin.