Brooke, left, Marcus and Dante hit the bag. 77923 Picture: KRISTIAN SCOTT
By LAURA WAKELY
WHEN he was just 11 years old, Marcos Dorta was brutally bashed by a gang.
He swore he would never let it happen again.
Fast-forward 29 years and Marcos is the head instructor of Essential Defence Academy in Deer Park.
The school opened in 1996 and has around 60 students training in self-defence and combat Ju-Jitsu.
Since his youth, Marcos has become a black belt second dan in Ju-Jitsu and also has a black belt in self-defence.
He’s also trained with special forces of the military and personnel bodyguards.
But the academy isn’t about fighting, it’s about fighting back.
Marcos and his pupils don’t compete in martial arts tournaments and students are only encouraged to use their skills when attacked.
The message is all about anti-bullying and self-defence.
“It’s all about not being the aggressor,” Marcos said.
Kids as young as four take part in classes at Essential Defence, with many looking for a way to increase their confidence, as well as their ability to defend themselves.
Marcos said students are taught that fighting is not the way to resolve arguments and the academy brings their anti-bullying message to many local schools.
“At the school, on the train, there is no umpire, there’s no red flag,” Marcos said.
“Children need to understand that you’re not going to lose three points — you’re going to lose an eye or fight for your life.
“It’s about keeping it real, not about winning a trophy.”
To find out more about Essential Defence Academy visit www.edacombat.com.
