On Tuesday 16th July, the Lower Sixth had the chance to spend two hours with two specialised self-defence trainers. The year was divided in two, for separate classes, which allowed each girl to learn valuable skills about self-defence. The class began with learning the basic defence stance.

Each of us were trained to use this as a way of removing ourselves away from the immediate area around the ‘attacker’. It was stressed that the tactics that the class learnt were purely for defence, and distancing oneself away from the attacker. The main focus of the lesson was to learn how to de-escalate a situation, something that our year believed was the most effective and efficient way of getting out of a threatening situation. We all learnt how to get out of a grab hold on one hand, and a grab hold of both hands. This was our first step, and most basic one, that helped us with the following defence stances that we learnt. All of us learnt how to deal with a situation as effectively and smoothly as possible when backed into a corner, especially if the aggressor were to attack the neck area. All girls were told to pay special attention to the ‘weapons area’, which is generally around the pocket or hip area, where any weapons such as knifes or sharp objects could be hidden.

Our trainers explained that there were five steps of dealing with threatening situations, the first four aimed mostly at trying to avoid physical confrontation, or provocation of that nature. Step one was to keep hidden all expensive gadgets or objects, so as to avoid any attention being drawn to oneself. Step two was to be alert of one’s surroundings, and follow the ‘gut feelings’ that warn us a situation is unsafe. We were told specifically to avoid gangs of people who seem to be engaged in an argument. Step three was that if one were to be approached by someone, and the character seemed to be doubtful, or seemed to harbour any malicious intentions, they had to stop the conversation and remove themselves immediately from the other person. Step four was that if the person was insistent, then to raise awareness of the predicament to surrounding people. Step five was physically engaging with the attacker our instructors explained that physical engagement between the aggressor and the victim was the last resort, and lower sixth form was taught to solely use defence techniques.

Overall it was an amazing experience that taught each girl in the year, not only to defend themselves, but also to avoid scenes where defence techniques are needed. The trainers were immensely informative, open and helpful and we are extremely excited for our next lesson.