Judo, the smart way to keep safe

By KHONG CHENG KUAN

Women and girls need to be responsible for their own safety, such as learning self-defence skills like judo, writes KHONG CHENG KUAN.

KICK and punch, scream and shriek, pull and shove; that is probably most women’s reaction when attacked. Flight will definitely be a wiser alternative than fight when one is confronted by someone bigger and stronger.

STEP 1: When the attacker grabs your arm, quickly lock your right leg behind his. At the same time, give him a sharp blow on his lower jaw or nose.

Run if you have the chance. Sometimes, however, escape is not possible, and we have to fight for our safety.

There are plenty of simple yet effective judo techniques to fight an assailant when there is body contact. Yes, even when he chokes you from your back or pins you on the ground. As long as there is body contact, you can execute judo defence techniques to save yourself.

Forget about kicks and punches; a woman is naturally weaker and a match based on sheer strength is futile.

Judo, the ‘gentle way’, uses the opponent’s weight in addition to one’s own weight, which is to be returned to the attacker. Thus, judo is an ideal self-defence technique for women as it does not require much strength, but will enable them to tackle a stronger attacker. In fact, there is a principle in judo that goes “minimum effort, maximum efficiency.”

STEP 2: While executing the right arm action, hook the opponent's leg and push him down with both hands.

The Selangor Judo Association (SJA), in collaboration with Yayasan Wanita Cemerlang, has launched an anti-violence campaign with the theme “Caring and Appreciating Women” to encourage women to take heed and be aware of their safety.

Local celebrity, Ning Baizura was appointed as the SJA Judo ambassador to promote judo as a form of self-defence for women.

“It’s sad that our society has become victim to violence against girls and women. I agreed to become the SJA judo ambassador so that I could contribute towards empowering women to defend themselves.

“Women have to now stand up for themselves and fight back, and judo is an effective and simple start towards being non-passive in a violent world,” said Ning.

Women should take responsibility for their own safety. Hence, taking up martial arts is a good start.

“Judo may sound aggressive and difficult,” says Ning, “but it is really very easy. I urge girls and women everywhere to take up this healthy sport”.

Judo is a simple martial art and anyone – regardless of age or size – could master it with enough practice.

Ning learned many simple self-defence throws in a matter of hours and was able to execute them well with practice.

STEP 3: Once your opponent hits the ground, run!

SJA secretary and judo coach Susan Cheah, however, said that it is best to master the techniques.

“Self-defence techniques have to be practised over and over again. Those who do not know the proper moves may injure themselves,” said Cheah who has written a booklet with pictorial guides on how women can keep safe.

“The contents include vulnerable points of a person’s body to target, verbal defence, useful tips for self-protection, rape etc. There are also a few effective step-by-step illustrated judo throws.

SJA is currently producing a judo self-defence VCD starring Ning. SJA hopes to distribute the VCD and booklet free to students, and is sourcing for sponsorship from the corporate sector.

For further information, contact Susan Cheah at 016-2713070.