Great Time to Learn Self-Defence Tactics
Learning self-defence is one of the best things anyone can do, especially with violent incidents, random or otherwise on the rise. And now, you have the opportunity to pick up important self defence techniques from the experts at GKR Karate Region 22.
They will be holding self-defence seminars at Riverstone on Saturday, October 26 from 10am-12pm and at Rouse Hill and Richmond, on Sunday, October 27, from 10am – 12pm. The aim is to fundraise money for ‘RIZEUP Australia’ to help stop domestic and family violence. GKR Karate is a self defence based martial arts organisation.
“We strive to teach you not only the tools to keep yourself and others safe, but how to be confident and disciplined,” instructor Stefie Witt said. “This cause is very important to us as it is one of the reasons why someone looks for martial arts and self-defence training.
“The world is not as safe as it used to be. Sometimes in life you may end up in a dangerous situation that you can’t get out of or you’re not equipped to deal with. The ultimate aim of martial arts is not having to use them.”
According to the latest Australian Bureau of Statistics, sexual assault recorded by police rose 11 percent from 2022 to 36,318 victims in 2023, with 84 per cent of the victims being female. Two in five (41 per cent) were between 10 to 17 years.
The seminars will offer self-defence techniques, tools of awareness, danger avoidance and escape techniques in a fun and friendly environment.
Main instructor Sensei Ben and assistant instructor Sensei Stefie will be running the event at Rouse Hill while Sensei Charmaine will be conducting the seminars at Riverstone and Richmond.
Sensi Charmaine Agius, the GKR Karate Regional Manager and senior karate instructor, said her goal is to help kids, teenagers and adults learn life skills that will benefit them long term, “like it did with me. “Besides learning self-defence, karate has other benefits such as learning discipline, self-control, and being more fit and healthy,” she explained.
“I’ve been training with GKR for just over 14 years, and I have won and lost in tournaments, and learnt to improve my skills further. I achieved my 3rd dan black belt in 2022.
“I have sustained many injuries outside of karate, with all this done before I started training in karate. Although I teach sevendays- a-week, I’m dealing with arthritis in both knees, three bulging discs in the L3,4 and 5 with each disc torn in four different places.
“I have epilepsy, (and) although I have these injuries, I still get up, dress up and teach my class.”
Sensei Ben has experience in eight different styles of martial arts, including Brazilian jiu-jitsu, Maui Thai and boxing. Sensei Stefie is the head Yoji (3-4 year old class) Instructor for the region. GKR has seven locations in the Hills District and Hawkesbury.
Booking details: Cost: $25 per person.
Riverstone-Schofields RSL sub-Branch: 18 Market Street Riverstone, Saturday, October 26: Contact Sonia Young 0402317628. Email: [email protected].
Rouse Hill: 322 Annangrove Road, Rouse Hill, Sunday, October 27. Contact Stefanie Witt on 0402 403 563. Email: [email protected].
Richmond: 144-148 Windsor Street, Richmond, Sunday, October 27. Contact Sonia Young on 0402 317 628. Email: [email protected].
