The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
The 13 females that participated in the self defence seminar provided by the North of 54 Karate Club may not be as dangerous as Charlie's Angels, but they now know a few painful tricks. After learning basic techniques that range from simply shoving a person aside and leaving the scene, to kicking the male where it counts, males or even females would be ill-advised to mess with them. Stacy Lair, a teacher, was among the participants at the Nov. 28 class held in the Creighton Community Hall. "I think it's a good idea to defend yourself if you need to," she said. After practicing a kick motion, Lair said she was enjoying the seminar and found the techniques useful. "I think they're beneficial if someone attacked you," she explained. "This is more of an aggressive course than defending." Christine Merton is another participant who feels it's important to know how to defend in a situation. "Anything could happen to anyone at any moment," she said. Merton found the techniques to be good and easy. She particularly liked the technique of kicking the male in the groin area. "It's the easiest one to remember," Merton said laughing. Instructing the ladies was Neil Richardson, a sempa, or junior instructor, for the North of 54 Karate Club. He felt his students did well. "If they can maintain 10 per cent (of the information), I'm happy," Richardson said. The most important thing he said is common sense and for participants to know the 'do not' rules. The main ones he mentioned are not to be alone at night, especially when leaving bars, and not to walk in dark alleys. Information provided by Statistics Canada showed that 198 females were homicide victims in 2004. On average, 182 every year were killed between 1994 and 2003. Also, it's estimated that seven per cent of women in a current or previous spousal relationship experienced violence during the five years up to and including 2004. The department's website states that rates of spousal abuse were highest among certain segments of the population: those aged 15 to 24; those in relationships of three years or less; those who had separated; and those in common-law unions. Twenty-three per cent of female victims reported that the most serious form of violence experienced was being beaten, choked, or threatened by having a gun or a knife used against them. Twenty-four per cent of Aboriginal women said they had suffered violence from a current or previous partner in the five-year period up to 2004. The overall rate of Aboriginal spousal violence (both men and women) was 21 per cent during this period, compared with six per cent for the non-Aboriginal population. Kel Brown, instructor for the club, said it's important for women to feel safe in the community. "I think it's helpful and provides self confidence," Brown said of learning the techniques. Colleen Arnold, executive director for the Women's Resource Centre, said the two groups have partnered together for three years now. "It's important for them to realize they are at risk," Arnold said. "They need to be aware of their surroundings and be in control of safety. Know how to get out. "It's not an easy thing for women to heal from," Arnold said.
