Dynamic workshop on the psychology, theory and practical realities of self-defense for women will be hosted by Robert Biernacki and Cathal Walsh on August 24, 2014
On February 25, 2013, Statistics Canada released an updated version of the document Measuring Violence against Women: Statistical Trends [opens to PDF], which was commissioned by Federal-Provincial-Territorial Ministers responsible for the Status of Women.
The report confirmed that violence against women continues to be a serious problem in Canada. While significant efforts have been made in recent decades, much work remains to be done to prevent and respond to the violence that persists in both the public and private spheres of women’s lives.
Rising demand among women for self-defense training
The demand among women for self-defense workshops and courses has increased significantly, according to various news reports. USA Today reported in June 2014 that gyms in the U.S. have noticed an increase in young female students looking to learn to defend themselves, and police departments and colleges are responding to the demand by offering courses to students and community members.
The Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Thai Muay Academy in Sudbury (Ontario) is offering self defense seminars to teach women what to do to react to the most common attacks. And here on Vancouver Island (in Nanaimo), the Island Top Team Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and MMA group is about to do the same thing. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is among the most proven methods of self defense known.
Robert Biernacki (picture right), one of three Brazilian jiu jitsu black belts teaching students on Vancouver Island, says that the big edge Brazilian jiu jitsu holds is its base in physics and mechanics—it can be a great equalizer over someone who is superior athletically.
Research shows that self-defense training has long-lasting effect
Research published in the June 2014 issue of journal Violence Against Women reported data from a study examining the effectiveness of self-defense training (a 10-week, university-based, feminist self-defense class) over a 1-year follow-up period. Researcher Jocelyn A. Hollander’s analyses indicated that women who participate in self-defense training are less likely to experience sexual assault and are more confident in their ability to effectively resist assault than similar women who have not taken such a class.
The Nanaimo workshop will be held on Sunday, August 24 from noon to 1:30 p.m.
The Nanaimo workshop is hosted by Robert Biernacki and Cathal Walsh. There is no charge but pre-registration is required [link here]. It is open to girls and women aged 14 up. Location: Nanaimo Athletic Club, 1451 Bowen Road in Nanaimo. Contact Robert at 250-739-1602 with any questions.
We speak with Robert Biernacki.
robert biernacki_self defense for women
Left-click to listen; right-click to save.
Research links | Status of Women Canada: Measuring Violence against Women: Statistical Trends (February 25, 2013) | University of Oregon: Are Women Safer When They Learn Self-Defense? (Spring, 2013) | Violence Against Women (Journal): Does Self-Defense Training Prevent Sexual Violence Against Women? (June, 2014) | Journal of Inter-Personal Violence: Self-Defense or Assertiveness Training and Women’s Responses to Sexual Attacks (2005) [opens to PDF] |
#Nanaimo Robert Biernacki a finalist to be named top jiu-jitsu teacher http://t.co/vdqreprGkD pic.twitter.com/nqXWHiHkQk
— peoplefirstradio (@peoplefirstrad) September 18, 2014
