Self-defence classes catch on

Press, 10 March 1982, Page 2

Self-defence classes catch on

Self-defence classes are catching on in Christchurch even for the very young. Nineteen primary school children line up in the Cracroft Community Centre Cashmere, on Tuesday afternoons to learn jujitsu kicks, strikes, and wrist breaks from a policewoman who throws in a little judo for good measure. One of the centre committee organisers, Mrs B. Roberts, said that the idea had originally been for a combined women and children’s class taught by a Y.W.C.A. instructor. But so many women were interested that Constable Sandra Manderson had been asked to take a separate children’s class. Miss Manderson said that she was teaching the children mainly for defence, but also to develop fitness and co-ordination. “It gives them a wee bit of confidence," she said. “That is basically what is necessary at first.” Her techniques. could be used in the streets or playgrounds but she had warned the class only to use them in self-defence. The children ranging from seven years upwards, were not “the playground bully types.” Defensive training classes are nothing new for Miss Manderson, who holds a second dan black belt in judo. She started teaching a women’s group in her spare time and demand “snowballed.” “There have been so many attacks on people lately,” said Miss Manderson. At present she also runs classes for Hagley High School students. Mrs Roberts said that the classes were extremely popular. Some mothers joined in and copied routines at the back of the children’s class. More women were also turning up to each session of the women’s class, their ages ranging from two who were over 69 to teen-agers. The Y.W.C.A. runs a second women’s class at its city centre.