By ALESHA CAPONE
A SUNSHINE karate studio wants to help women avoid becoming victims of crime, following a spate of violent attacks against females across Melbourne.
Instructor Darren Olsen of Samurai Karate said the ’Women’s Urban Survival Program’ would consist of a series of one-off classes for females aged 15-plus.
They will start in Sunshine on 4 August, Tarneit on 17 August and Laverton on 24 August.
The classes will be facilitated by Sensei Paul Mitchell, eighth Dan Hanshi and world chief instructor of Samurai Karate International.
The program will be free, but the organisers will accept donations at the door in support of White Ribbon’s campaign to stop violence against women.
Mr Olsen said a series of crimes committed against women in Melbourne – such a violent sexual assault against a woman in a St Albans street last month and a rape at Hoppers Crossing train station – have prompted Samurai Karate to organise the self-defence sessions.
“We will teach women about the psychology they need to adopt, so they don’t become a victim, and how to get out – extricate themselves quickly – if they do get attacked,” he said.
“We are not teaching people to be paranoid, but to be aware and how to handle a situation.”
Mr Olsen said one such instance was when a female black-belt from the club exited her workplace in Port Melbourne, to discover a man breaking into her car.
The man went to punch the woman, but she was able to block the oncoming attack and – while wearing stilettoes – delivered a roundhouse kick to the man’s head in an impressive effort, which left him on the ground.
However, Mr Olsen said for women who did not wish to study karate for years, the Women’s Urban Survival Program would be “invaluable”.
“For six hours, it could help save you from a very traumatic life – because unfortunately if you end up in a situation like that, it can have a negative impact on you for a very long time,” he said.
Places are limited and bookings essential. See www.shukokai.com.au or call 0488 882 752.
