IN A novel approach to 16 Days of Activism against gender-based violence, Kingsburgh Child and Family Welfare’s kickboxing programme taught woman of the community basic self-defence on December 5.

The empowering session welcomed Eugene Engelbrecht of ET Rapid Response and Sheri-Ann Nagiah from Shapes of Women, who taught participants basic kickboxing moves and self-defence tactics, tips on situational awareness, and fitness warm-ups, as well as cardio drills.

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Engelbrecht emphasised the importance of spatial awareness to avoid risk and confrontation as a crucial first line of defence.

“Trust your instincts and take avoiding action if you feel unsafe. However, if you do become victim to a physical threat, it is important to know how to act,” said Engelbrecht.

He outlined “ACT” as attitude, commitment and technique.

“The ability to convert flight to fight is critical. A few basic techniques were demonstrated to the participants and the participants practised these on each other get the technique right. It was a positive outcome at the end of the exercise and the ladies were advised to practise these at home to become proficient,” said Engelbrecht.

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