UNFORTUNATELY, we live in a world where women and children are now actively choosing to fight back, and I mean that literally. The act of self-defence is using force or “violence” to protect oneself or another person from imminent harm. If the victim believes that they or someone might be in danger or near death—they can choose to protect themselves with self-defence.
The act of self-defence can be used as a tool or means of protection against violence. Sometimes, we feel so uneasy as we walk the streets or when we use public transportation. There is a constant fear there, and the lack of defensive tactics adds to our existing fears. As such, self-defence classes can be motivating and empowering. It is not only for the streets but can also be for any environment where violence or abuse is present. It’s not just about the defence strategies, but it can also allow you to think critically about violence prevention or how to deal with fear.

In self-defence classes, it is usually highlighted that human beings do not ask to be assaulted. Yes, you might make poor judgments about behaviour sometimes, but that still does not invite assault. Self-defence should never be used as a tool to cast judgement onto the victims. The way in which someone decides to defend themselves is how they think they can survive.
The Peace Over Violence programme stressed that a good self-defence class does not tell people what they should or should not do.

Instead, options and alternatives are provided, and it’s up to the victims to choose. In self-defence, it is taught that it is okay to put yourself first. The world needs to be a safer, better place for people to live in. Everyone, including men who are most likely to be offenders, also need to be able to be held accountable. It is sad that in this day and age, women are still being assaulted, and they have to take drastic measures such as Self-defenceClasses to defend themselves. Many will argue that it’s up to the aggressors to be held accountable. That is true, but I still believe that we cannot sit around and wait for people not to be aggressors or perpetrators.
Prevention is always better than a cure. In self-defence classes, moves such as the hammer strike, elbow strike, escape from bear hugs, and groin kicks are all considered defences that can be used.

There are four A’s to consider: attitude, awareness, assessment of a situation and action. The physical defences are just as important as the mental ones. In self-defence, you also need to boost your confidence and believe in yourself enough to know that you have what it takes to defend yourself. You have to be able to verbalise your boundaries firmly. There is no excuse whatsoever to condone the abuse, harassment, or violence against another human being. However, if you are being abused or harassed, the only other way out of that is to also use “force” to escape. While martial arts classes exist in some communities across Guyana, direct self-defence classes for women relating to abuse are lacking. There were a few classes, but they were one-day or one-off exercises.

As such, I am here publicly advocating for groups and organisations to take up the charge of executing more self-defence classes in Guyana. I hope that these classes are holistic training and not just a class that showcases physical strength and techniques. For women and even men who feel fearful walking the streets or even living in their own homes—I hope this column gives you the strength to learn self-defence skills. Even if you can’t access classes, the internet is filled with useful tools and information.