The first in the cycle of self-defense trainings organised by the Institute for Youth Development KULT was held last night at the Educational-Leisure Center for Youth SPAJALICA, as part of the campaign 16 days of activism against violence. The training was held by certified trainers and instructors from the IKMF (International Krav Maga Federation) in BiH – www.kravmaga-ikmf.ba.
The first in the cycle of self-defense trainings strengthened the psychological ability of girls to stand up to and protect themselves against the increasingly more prevalent violent behaviour of certain groups in today’s society.
The girls were taught about their rights and the actions recommended before, during and after attack. Also discussed was the difference between an attack and violence, the most effective method of defense, objects which could help in defending against a violent attacker in different situations, such as being ambushed in a dark alley when withdrawing money from an ATM, walking in a park, meeting an stranger you bought something from on the internet, etc.
‘Any woman can learn Krav Maga, regardless of age, experience in martial arts, body type, strength or fitness.” said Ervin Su?eska, Krav Maga trainer.
Subsequent trainings will be held at the martial arts hall of the Centre for Culture and Sports in IlidĹľa (KSCIL), according to the following schedule:
5. December (Friday) at 17:30,
6. December (Saturday) at 11:00,
8. December (Monday) at 17:30,
10. December (Wednesday) at 20:30.
The training is free for all participants. The participants will be given a certificate upon completing the training course testifying to the self-defense skills they acquired.
If you were unable to join us during the first training course, you can join us on Friday and learn how to protect yourself and help others. To apply, send your personal information to biljana.dragas@kultbih.org.
About Krav Maga
Krav Maga is a self-defense skill dveloped for the Israel Defence Force (IDF), but due to its efficiency, the manner and approach to training, and the very concept and structure of the techniques, it is applicable in many areas, particulary with regards to women and self-defense for children.
Self-defense training courses are attended by women of different ages and backgrounds – girls, college students, housewives, working women, mothers, female soldiers and policewomen, former athletes, all women who want and need to feel safe. The self-esteem and fitness achieved through the training course enable women to react with composure in the worst of situations.
Self-defence may save a woman’s life, but even if such a need never actualy arises, practicing this skill helps tap into your physical and psychological strength and improve self-esteem, which is a huge plus. To train Krav Maga you don’t need to have experience in martial arts, nor do you need special equipment. It is a liner system of fighting, where, in the context of female self-defense, the accent is on realistic situations you may find yourself in, whether it is a threat, attack with different kinds of weapons, regaldless of the place and nature of the attack, such as sexual assault, theft, kidnapping, etc. Special emphasisi is put on “anti-aggression” and “anti-rape” programmes. Facing participants with a realistic simulation of an attack is key in self-defense, because it teaches them how to think clearly when being attacked. It enables them to react correctly and on time in a dangerous situation. The basic principles of self-defense show women how to take control of their own safety, whether at home, in the car, on a parking lot. Common sense is sufficent in most cases, but sometimes we cannot avoid unpleasant situation, no matter how hard we try.
About the campaign
The campaign begins with Orange Day, for preventing violence agains women and girls, celebrated on the 25th day of every month. For more than two years, Orange Day, supported by the Secretary-General of the UN, through different activities worldwide contributes to raising the consciousness of youth and sensitizing them to the issue of gender-based violence, with 98% of cases being women, and attempting to actively involve them in efforts to combat and prevent this violation of human rights and freedoms.
The Institute for Youth Development KULT advocates a society in which women and men participate equally in all areas of life. An imbalance in the social influence of men and women hampers the potential of every society. The Institute believes that the wish for growth that youth possess is a prerequisite for changing the society. This year, the Institute is implementing the campaign with the support of Olof Palme International Centre.
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