THE Sycamore Community Church has joined forces with a self-defence group, Cherdan, to raise funds while arming crime targets with skills.
The first aim of the self-defence classes is to change the mindset of the attendees. The change is from ‘I will be a victim’ to ‘I will overcome’.
Danric Verster, the self-defence instructor and member of Sycamore Community Church, runs the classes with the assistance of other team members.
“I have been presenting self-defence classes for over 15 years now, and felt that presenting the courses as a form of a fundraiser for Sycamore Community Church would be a great initiative. It started with presenting a proposal to the church.
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“Once the proposal was accepted, the process was started by inviting a few members from the church to learn self-defence to create a team. The team has been working with me for the last five months, preparing,” explained Verster.
He added, “Self-defence is more than just moves, and techniques. It is about the three A’s, namely being aware, avoiding, and action. Nowadays people are often so focused on their cellphones or life in general, they are not aware of what is going on around them. We aim to try to make people aware of their surroundings, so they can avoid a threat if possible and not become a victim.”
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Verster asserts that self-defence, if taught correctly, is a tool that can be used in life in general.
Interested members of the public aged 16 and above are invited to join the classes. “We are targeting females, but males are also welcome.”
The sessions will start on July 20 (every Saturday) at Sycamore Community Church, 18 Sycamore Road, Glenwood, at 10:00. Registration at 09:30. One session costs R50.
For more information, contact Danric Verster on 083 389 5969 (WhatsApp)
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