Refuse to be a victim! As a way to empower women the Radiant Taekwondo Academy held an open day self defence class on Saturday August 20.

This was held in Shonalanga Sports Hall at the Nelspruit Army Support Base. The president and founder of the academy, Master Job Magagula, said the aim was to equip women with self defence skills, free of charge.

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“We want them to be able to protect themselves when being attacked by predators who have declared war against our women. Almost every time when I watch or read news on violence against women, it does not give me peace. I always welcome women in my academy who were attacked or are victims, or any woman. I saw that there is a need to host such events. This helps us to raise awareness and to remind them that they must stand up.”

During the event the participants learnt basic self-defence skills.

“We encourage women to join martial arts schools. I am also available to offer seminars in our communities and workplace.”

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Magagula holds a fifth-degree black belt of Tae Kwon Do International, a fifth-degree black belt master of the American Iron Dragon organisation, a bronze medal from the 2013 Tae Kwon Do International World Championship and is a master in Philippine weapons (Escrima).