Local newsNews

Kids learn how to defend themselves

Self-defence is an often overlooked skill in today’s society, but it is of utmost importance.

Integrated Body Dynamics (IBD – a gym in Noordheuwel) hosted their first ever Self-Defence Workshop for Kids between the ages of seven and 15.

The workshop was held in November and was presented by Krav Maga specialist and police member, Captain Hennie Bouwer.

Captain Hennie Bouwer teaching the children how to make a fist. Photo: Adele Massyn.

“Captain Bouwer really has a passion for fighting against women and child abuse and that’s why he didn’t hesitate to teach the children everything they need to know. He shared his legal, theoretical and practical knowledge within the field,” Mariolette Gerver – kickboxing, Mixed Martial Arts and extreme fighting specialist and IBD partner – said.

“Crime is increasing in the country and that’s why the children need to know what to do in case of emergencies. They need to know what to do when they are being kidnapped and when an intruder is in the house. They need to have a plan of action.”

Captain Hennie Bouwer in action. Photo: Adele Massyn.

And that’s exactly what they were taught when Captain Bouwer went the extra mile by cordoning off a section of the road outside the gym to give each child the opportunity to apply their knowledge in a real-life (mock) kidnapping scenario.

Throughout the workshop, the children were encouraged to make note of theoretical information and to participate in all the physical self-defence activities.

Even though this was their first workshop for children, they would like to host such events for both children and adults – especially women – on a monthly basis.

Ané Massyn in a real-life (mock) kidnapping scenario. Photo: Adele Massyn.

IBD would also like to make use of the opportunity to regularly donate a portion of the funds raised to local institutions who care for abused women and children.

Francois le Roux – boxing, MMA and extreme fighting specialist and IBD partner – would like to thank each child who attended the workshop on the day and encouraged them to keep on building on their self-defence knowledge.

If you are interested in the workshops or would like to find out more, contact Francois on 082 566 8544 or Mariolette on 082 064 3856.

Do you perhaps have more information pertaining to this story? Email us at  krugersdorpnews@caxton.co.za (remember to include your contact details) or phone us on 011 955 1130.

For free daily local news on the West Rand, also visit our sister newspaper websites 

Randfontein Herald

Roodepoort Record

Get It Joburg West Magazine

Remember to visit our FacebookTwitter and Instagram pages to let your voice be heard!

At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!

Support local journalism

Add The Citizen as a preferred source to see more from Krugersdorp News in Google News and Top Stories.

Back to top button