Women must learn to defend themselves
With the high crime rate in South Africa and the abuse of women, self-defence needs to be promoted at a larger scale.
This is according to Takis Chaniotakos, karate and self-defence trainer and teacher (Fifth Dan).
Takis started training in karate at the age of 14 and was graded with his black belt 10 years later.
In 2002, he opened The Dojo Boksburg, where he offers Traditional Shotokan Karate, self-defence and fighting skills to children, women and men of all ages.
Takis says that 45 per cent of membership at The Dojo is made up of women.
“Women have little time to attend classes because of their very hectic schedules, but I encourage any woman in South Africa to make time to learn self-defence,” he says.
The self-defence training programme includes three levels which intensify and progress to more advanced techniques.
The course teaches women the basics of how to defend themselves when faced with attacks.
The first level is divided into eight hours, where women are taught various basic defence moves for different attacks.
These include strangulation, upper and lower body defence, and ground defence, defence against knife threat, gun attack, hijacking and defence in a rape situation when a woman is pinned down.
Takis says the course can be offered to women on a one-on-one basis, or in a group.
“Karate is a 100 per cent total body workout that can help women get fit, lose weight and fight to defend themselves,” he says.
Takis adds that there are many benefits to taking karate lessons which include better focus and concentration in every area of one’s life, balance within one’s self and an opportunity to make new friends.
Women interested in self-defence and karate classes may contact The Dojo on 011 425 3832
