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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Huron Expositor, 1990-09-05, Page 3THE HURON EXPOSITOR SEPTEMBER S. 1990 -- 3 Self Defence: Street smarts first, defence second A woman is attacked once every three minutes. WITH A SWING OF THE ARM, grab of the hair and a swift knee to the chin, Linda Doig demonstrates how to swiftly down an assailant much larger than the victim. Fortunately, Linda's partner Melissa Whitmore didn't feel the full brunt of the defence move. BENDING YOUR ATTACKER'S THUMB BACWARDS will drop him to his knees before he has time to think about, Leanne Whitmore quickly learns_ a When it comes to self-preser- vation, one of the best defences is being aware of the danger in the first place. Commonly referred to as "street - smarts", this was the primary focus of the Self Defence for Females course held in Seaforth over three evenings last week. Ten women signed up for the course, a number which instructor Chuck Hasson had hoped would be higher. "It's the problem that every small town has: It won't happen here," says Mr. Hasson, a martial arts instructor. He has held the Self Defence course in a number of communities, and notes that there is a prevailing attitude in small towns that assault on women `doesn't happen in my town.' This is simply not true, he points out, and adds that not everyone stays in town, anyhow. Attacks in cities such as London and Toronto are increasing with frightening rapidity, and an unaware victim is an easier target for a would-be assailant With that in mind, Chuck Hasson first stresses that awareness is the best defence. "It's things you know, that you forget," he says, such as not walking down dark streets or alleys, or even simply checking in the back seat of your car before getting in. Pin kCi )1t4 1474t Only about one woman in 10 will take a self- defence course. "I teach how to avoid it, and if you do get into a confrontation, how you can walk away, alive," says Mr. Hasson. "There are a lot "It's the element of surprise. When you're being attacked, they don't expect you to fi back...to them, you're just a helpless woman." Photos by Paula Elliott GOING OVER THE BASICS on night three of the Self Defence course, Chuck Hasson attempts a frontal attack on Leanne Whitmore who instinctively begins a block of martial arts classes out there that spend a lot of time teaching self defence," he points out, but adds that many of these classes assume a working knowledge of martial arts. The Self Defence for Females course stresses the natural defences that anyone has at their disposal: nerve points, where a single pinch or finger twist will effectively im- mobilize an attacker, one well- placed kick, or how to simply step away from an attack. Yelling, screaming and spitting are also underestimated defences, says Mr. Hasson. "Anything to take his mind off of what he's doing," he says. "Yell anything but "rape", though. Anything except that you're being molested or attacked." "People will shut it out." IF YOU REALLY HAVE TO GET NASTY, go for the throat. The best defence against an attacker with a knife, points out instructor Chuck Hasson, is to give him your money and point to where your car is parked OMMUN!TY CALENDAR W•re erreising a non-profit event of interest to other 8eatorth area residents, phone the recreation °Mo In7411142 or the Expositor at 627-0240, el mill the intonnetion to CIS Wender. The; Huron Expositor, Box $11, IburAirth, Ontario. 140K 11Vi WWI le advanw of these scheduled data. Free kens ingladso do" mem at event and lactation only. Spec* for the Cawood', Calaadarla dwood by The Huron Expositor. Wed . , Sept. 5 1:30-4:00 p.m. - Senior Shuffleboard at the Aruna 7:00-9:00 p.m. - Joint Registration at Arena 8 00 p.m. - Huron County Football League North Division Final, S.aforth Bean vs Walton Brewers at the Lions Parte Thurs. , Sept. 6 12.00 noon - Seaforth Happy Citizens Potluck and Meeting at the Legion 12:00 noon - Book Club at Seaforth Branch Library. Everyone welcome. 7.00-9:00 p m - Joint Registration at Anna Provincial Election Day Sat., Sept. 8 All day - Men's invitational Golf Tournament at Goff Course (tees closed all day) 0.00 p.m. - Lions Club Elimination Draw and Davie at Arena Sun., Sept. 9 12:00 noon - Minor Bali Wrap day at Lions Park Mon., Sept. 10 8:00 p.m. - Men's Football North Division Final at Optimist Park - Seatorth Bears vs. Walton Brewers Tues., Sept. 11 2:00 p.m. - S.atorth Women's Institute will meet at the home of Mrs. Gladys Doig 9:30 p.m. - Seaforth Hospital Auilllary Potluck Supper in the Board Room. Please bring own dishes f>, cutlery) Wed. , Sept. 12 1 30-4.00 p m Shuffleboard at SDCC Horticultural Society Monthly Meeting 7.00 p.m - SIA Workshop - "Keeping Business In Seaforth ' . In Council Chambers 7:00 p m - Seaforth Horticultural Society Desert and invitation meeting at Seaforth Public School t 9'