Self-defence class in Saltley SEXUAL harassment is workplace. In Canada, of Provincial La serious and widespread problem affecting women in the the National Union Government Employees (NUPGE) has produced an information pack that explodes the myths surrounding this subject and offers advice to workers and - IS no srime to letend ourselves a black belt in karate and she teaches self-defence to women-only classes in Birmingham. She hopes to set up a countrywide network of women's groups.
Socialist Challenge talked to her.
'I first took up karate as a joint hobby with my husband but finally brought my divorce because I did better at it than him. Watching instructors pertor. ming appealed to my sense of art.
'When I was learning karate some of the men refused seriously. I was fighting a to take Lilc bloke tront Japanese instructor and the guy was just slapping me around, playing about, and i scored a half point against him with a karate technique.
'The instructor praisOf course the guy lost face and began take me more seriously and he was a black belt at the time and I was only a (half way to black belt).
'Teaching karate as a woman also causes some problems. The male icachel. allow teach short period beginA 32-YEAR-OLD who beat up his wife during a row at their was given discharge by magistrates last week.
been been more severe.
From the Kent and Sussex Courier ing systems and the role of the union in fighting for social change.
It also takes up the solutions that are available to women who tall outside trade union protection.
Action in Britain on this developed than in North America. but no one car doubt that the scale of the problem is just as immense.
Sexual Harassment Work is available from the National Union of Provincial Government employner courses. There are exceptions - my instrucLors one he wanted lo come along and see some ot my all temale long-run classes in Birmingham.
'The male students don't like to be taught by woman and a lot of them hate fight woman claiming it's unfair because there's "nowhere to hit"
karate there's such a thing as a female black belt (Jackie got hers in 1978). People come into my Paddock Wood man conditional Tunbridge Wells He was told that had the victim not his wife the penalty might have Fees, 265 Av Carling Avenue, Ottawa, Ontario, KIS 2E1, candad Sexual Harassment Socialist Challenge shop (Giko, Martial Arts Birmingham) and when they find out I'm a black belt the men start prancing around saying don't hurt me hurt 'Oh don't Hit'em 'A lot of women don't realise the weapons they have at hand when it defending themselves You get questions like I've got heavy shopping and the simple answer i "Hit 'em with it 'Also women say they couldn't bring themselves to hurt anyone But when vou make them realise that this person is actually trying to hurt and mother they're quite will ing to learn how to pro tect themselves.
'Anyone can do self defence. I like to make it as un thie exercises are only Minor ones best hey ble. exercises get you in trim and keep you fit. Fit enough to be able to run faster than your attacker which the object of the exercise — to hit and run.
Compulsory 'Women gain a lot of confidence these courses, hopefully not to the point of overconfidence. I think that loca self-defence classes at classes over the country and make for compulsory subject school.
'You've got to be careful about carrying weapons defend yourself might find yourself all because tacking an innocent perSOU preter worsen li use their hands and feet.
"The law as it stands - which prevents married women having any sexual violence in the home disgusting. Most of the attacks seem to come in the home. . trom the hus band, husband's friend or father. Difficult "These are very difficult to bring up as a subject either within the outside. consequently you don't realise how much is going on until you speak to the people who are suffering anu well uncy start over ing up women can defend themselves then the lack of laws to protect them won't matter much. My aim is to have a register of ladies-only sel -cerenci groups throughout the whole o Britain •wit competent people teaching women seriously.
If you're interested in self-defence ring on 021-773 9247 and she'll help you find out about local classes.
19 February 1981 Page 11
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MEN KILL EVERY DAY