Women’s self defense course being offered in Coaldale

By Nikki Jamieson
Sunny South News

A women’s self defence class is coming to Coaldale.

Starting Monday, Sept. 25, the 10-class course will follow a discussion and demonstration format, followed by partner practice.

“It would basically be a toolbox of philosophical methods and physical techniques, if you get in any emergencies or getting out of emergencies really,” said Lincoln Chew, from Tai Chi and Company, and instructor of the course.

Chew was approached by the town’s recreation and culture department to teach a self defence course for women. Although he hadn’t taught a self defense course like it before, he agreed it would be a good idea.

“I never really thought about it before, but I guess there’ve been a number of people who had encouncters where they’d wish they’d known something,” said Chew, adding that he usually taught and trained in long-term courses.

“(I’m) a long time trainee of martial arts; this is not that, so there’s no belts or anything like that. This is, if you will a functional toolbox of strategies, methods of how to approach a strange place, how to take care of yourself if you’re going down a stairs for the first time, walking through the tunnels of the university.

“If there are people out in the community — especially women — that feel unsafe, then I feel it’s part of my job, I guess, to offer a means of people feeling safer.”

Students will be taught proven techniques, especially those where a smaller person would have to fend off a larger attacker, whether it be from unwanted attention to a physical attack.

Chew said that for those who attended the class would be able to get some confidence to “knowing these techniques”, as well as knowledge of the techniques involved in the moves.

As the course is being offered through the town, it is being held at the Gem of the West Museum.

No prior knowledge of self defense is required.

Students are encouraged to wear street clothes, or stuff you would wear on a daily basis.

“We just want people to dress as they normally would, so you don’t have to wear a karate uniform or a gym uniform, because you’re not going to be wearing those if you get accosted in the street or whatever. It’s totally practical.”

Students are asked to bring a blanket or a yoga mat to class.

The course will run every Monday from Sept. 25-Nov Nov. 27, with the exception of the Thanksgiving long weekend, from 6:30-7:30 p.m. The cost is $75 to attend.

For more information, contact Chew at 403-405-5100 or at taichiandco@gmail.com.

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