Endeavour Hills karate expert Tricia Clarke and Narre Warren North MP Luke Donnellan have urged local women to attend free self-defence classes.
By Rebecca Fraser
ENDEAVOUR Hills karate enthusiast Tricia Clarke is working hard to provide local women with the ‘invisible armour’ they need to feel safer at home and in the community.
The experienced self-defence trainer, who has a black belt in karate, will conduct two free self-defence classes in Narre Warren later this month to promote protection.
Ms Clarke will give a demonstration on physical self defence and confidence, and an officer from Victorian Police will advise women on strategies for personal safety.
Ms Clarke said she had a strong passion for women’s affairs and an equal desire to promote safety in the community.
The mother of two, is a level-one karate trainer with the Australian Institute of Sport and is a head teacher at the Chikara Karate School in Endeavour Hills.
Ms Clarke said she greatly enjoyed teaching women the skills to protect themselves, but stressed that taking physical action was always a last resort.
She said she would be sharing safety tips, such as safety at home, on the internet and on the street, as well as the possibility of escaping or resolving the matter before resorting to physical action.
“It is not all about pressure points. Physical violence is the last resort. It is about being smart and being aware. It is a very rewarding job. Many women say this is amazing, or this is so great and easy.
“Ex-victims come along and sometimes we have had tears at the end and there are always lots of ‘thank yous’.
“Some had said that after years of counselling, this had finally given them the closure they needed because they found that they could do something for themselves,” she said.
Narre Warren North MP, Luke Donnellan, has organised the free classes and said he had spoken to a number of women in his electorate and many of them had expressed a concern for their personal safety and suggested self-defence classes.
“Women can be vulnerable to attacks and physical threats, which can affect their sense of safety and confidence.
“By organising free classes that concentrate on common sense tactics in defence and giving tips to prevent physical attacks, I am hoping that women will feel that little bit safer,” Mr Donnellan said.
Women must register their interest by calling the office of Luke Donnellan on 9706 0566. Classes are limited in number, so women who wish to participate must register and book their place before Monday, 22 May.
The classes will be held at the main hall at Maramba Primary School Narre Warren from 7pm-9pm on Monday, 22 May, and Tuesday, 23 May.
