Nick La shows self-defence moves to Toi Dolling at Berwick UFT. 88629_16 Pictures: DONNA OATES
By LIA SPENCER
A GYM owner offering free-self-defence classes is considering creating an organisation to give students and groups the skills they need to protect themselves.
About 20 women attended the first and second free self-defence class at Berwick UFT (Ultimate Fitness Training) on 6 October and 13 October. Berwick UFT owner Denee Laloutte is now considering starting a not-for-profit organisation where he and the trainers would visit schools or organisations to teach people of all ages self-defence moves.
He decided to launch the free five-week workshop for women at the gym following the abduction of Brunswick resident Jill Meager on 22 September.
Mr Laloutte said the horrific crime struck a chord with both women and men across the state and he decided to hold a free workshop over five weeks to give women the skills they need to protect themselves.
“It could have been anyone’s mother, daughter or sister and I think that’s why Jill had such a big following,” he said.
“We have always run self-defence classes but they never really took-off, but after what happened with Jill, I spoke with the instructors and we decided to put something out there for free. We have the skills and ability to teach it so we thought we would put something on offer.”
The free classes feature basic moves for people of all abilities and will be run by Jiu Jitsu coach Yacine Alaoui and Jeremy Ta’kody, a multi-style black belt.
“Self-defence is something people should know all the time, but especially at times of the year when things like that (assaults) are could be more prevalent,” he said.
“Like at Christmas time, when women may be carrying more valuables.”
Berwick UGT is located in Enterprise Avenue, Berwick, for more information call the gym on 9769 3137.
