Self-defence courses for women

Press, 16 June 1983, Page 24

Self-defence courses for women

Three Christchurch women have been trained as self-defence teachers by Sue Lytollis, and will conduct courses at the Christchurch Y.M.C.A.

The women, Lynda Morgan, Sarah Taylor, and Cerridwyn, have learned to conduct eight-hour courses designed to give women the confidence to deal with sexual attacks.

Ms Lytollis developed her methods during several years and intends to travel to Japan to extend her skills in the self-defence arts. Both the mental and physical aspects of self-de-fence have been taught. Ms Lytollis believes that selfdefence is 99 per cent in the mind and 1 per cent in the body. However, women need the physical confidence to gain mental strength, she says.

The self-defensive woman needs to be assertive and use her anger and her body

in a positive way. Being passive and feeling helpless is acting as a victim.

The course instruction includes how women should deal with “mini-attacks,” such as wolf whistles, snide remarks, and obscene telephone calls. They believe many women ignore “mini-at- tacks” and so freeze from panic in a serious situation. To combat that reaction women should trust their feelings. By sensing potentially dangerous situations and acting quickly, a woman can protect herself.

The courses are designed for women of all ages and physical conditions. Classes for children aged seven to 12 years are also taught.

The children’s classes include simple, effective ways to deal with bullying at school. The use of bicycles, school bags, and toys as self-defence weapons is also covered.