Women's self defence course at college

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 3, Issue 1, 28 May 1985, Page 25

Women's self defence course at college

Women who ignore sexual comments and do not verbally defend themselves have a greater chance of being raped, says women's self defence instructor, Catherine Russ, who staged a self defence course for women

at Ruapehu College at the weekend. Eighteen women attended the course, which taught them how to defend themselves verbally and physically. "Some women who attend these courses are laughed at by their husbands, brothers or sons who think a woman is incapable of defending herself physically," says Miss Russ. But there are other ways to prevent a possible rape. "One of the women who attended a course I held in

Wellington fivemonths ago, later disarmed a man with a knife just by talking to him." The women's self defence courses were started by Sue Lytollis in 1975. Sue is currently in Japan continuing her martial arts' training. So far she has trained 24 instructors in New Zealand, who are all working to full capacity. "More instructors are needed because the demand for the course outweigh the supply of instructors," says Miss Russ. The women are taught

how to punch, kick and how to get themselves out of a head lock. "We also teach women how to reply to men who threaten them. "Sometimes what a woman says can stop any further action by the men." Speaking after the course at Ruapehu College, Miss Russ said, "I hope the women go away from this course feeling confident enough to handle any violent situation."