Our Jennifer gets to grips with self-defence

Violent attacks are thankfully pretty rare, even in our fraught times, but would many of us know what to do if we were targeted? Personally, as a feisty but tiny little lady with practically no upper body strength, I wouldn’t be much cop in a fight. But a free course at Oldham Sports Centre is aiming to equip Oldhamers with some self-defence knowledge which, hopefully, they will never need to put into practice. I went along to find out more . . .

NOW let’s be honest — I don’t much fancy being propelled over someone’s head and flung on to a hard gym mat when I could be putting my feet up at home with a cup of tea and the soaps.

And my reservations are sent spiralling still further when I discover where the action takes place.

I’m in one of those intimidating sports halls which sends tremors down the spine of those of us who look back at school PE lessons and quake.

However, as we skit through every scenario the big bad streets might bring to your door, I am pleasantly surprised to learn that with this particular discipline, your biggest asset might just be your brain.

From the nuisance who grabs your arm to the maniac who fancies plunging a blade into your belly, all brows seem to be furrowed more in concentration than fear at the prospect of a bit of rough and tumble.

Instructor Fred Jones is a letting agent by day who has taught martial arts for a number of years. He teaches self-defence across Greater Manchester. “I have taught people of all shapes, sizes and ages,” he said.

“A small person can take down someone who’s twice their size. I did a course at Greenacres once and a woman threw me right over her head.

“The most important thing is to react quickly. In class, your opponent is expecting you to hit out but in real life, the first strike can disorientate someone if they’re not expecting it.”

We learn that if someone charges at you with a knife, if you quickly move to the side, grab their weapon-holding arm and twist it round, they might drop the knife.

We also look at stopping a punch by blocking their swinging arm, while using your other arm to strike their neck and push on it while you’re twisting your body around, so they collapse to the floor in a spiralling concertina.

As we’re running through all this, it suddenly begins to feel like a little artform. Like a dance, it’s quite intricate and is all about positioning your body and intertwining your limbs with your opponents in a very specific way so you can disable them.

It all makes perfect logical sense when you watch it, but in practice, it’s a complicated choreography.

“People won’t remember everything and some moves will be more natural to them than others.” said Fred.

“But it’s about making it your own. You can adapt moves and everyone takes something from it. The most important thing is to keep practising as much as you can.”

And he’s certainly got a point about making it your own.

Some of these moves left me feeling about as powerful as a seal who has just been snapped up for a Great White’s dinner, but others left me feeling pretty pleased with myself.

When fellow self-defencer Gillian Day grabs me, I start writhing like an eel while trying to jab her in the tummy with my elbow, she’s not for budging. But when fellow Chronicle reporter Beatriz Ayala grabs me in a bear hug from behind I manage to make light work of her, by ducking down and pulling her legs from under her until she falls back.

You win some, you lose some in this game. Self-defence is a notoriously difficult discipline to master, mainly because you’ll never really know whether you’ve got the gist of these techniques until the mean streets rise up and grab you by the throat. In one sense, that’s not really the point.

Gillian Day (29), of Higginshaw Village, became interested in self-defence after she was mugged on her walk to work a few years ago.

She said: “I felt like a victim and I don’t want to ever feel like that again. I was really scared that I was going to get raped and felt totally powerless. I was more angry at myself for not doing anything to try to stave them off.

“I don’t think being able to master all the moves perfectly is the main thing. A lot of troublemakers are opportunistic and looking for an easy target, who looks like a victim. I think it would be enough to put many off if they think you have an idea of how to defend yourself.

“I think self-defence classes are a great idea and girls should be taught them in school.”

Wise words indeed, but the best advice of all? “I would always advise people to walk away wherever they can,” said Fred. “Self-defence is handy as a last resort if you’re in a situation where you have no other option.”


So, what’s the verdict...?

AN accessible introduction to a vital discipline, but you’ll need to hammer down your skills with more classes or by picking up books with the moves clearly shown in photos or diagrams so you can practice at home.

The next free, two-week self-defence course gets underway at Oldham Sports Centre from 7.30 to 8.30pm tomorrow. Book on 0161-621 3220. Fred also runs martial art classes. Call him on 07782-345 646.