Danger lurks everywhere in SA so learn to defend yourself

This is South Africa. Trouble lurks in parking lots, side streets, shopping malls, and right next door or your own driveway.

- Hein Kaiser

This is why learning how to protect yourself is not about paranoia, but practicality.

Personal trainer, self-defence coach, and jiu-jitsu sensei Daniel Kelly said that knowing what to do when danger turns up can change everything.

“There’s crime everywhere,” he said. “You need to be able to defend yourself. Being able to do that gives you self-confidence, which carries through every part of your life.”

And it’s not just about posture or presence. It’s the knowledge that you’re capable of doing what’s necessary when faced with a threat.

But, Kelly said, it only works if it’s practised. “If you attend one self-defence session, you probably won't be able to use it,” he said.

“You have to train at least three times a week, so it becomes muscle memory.

“When you're in a real-life situation, there’s no time to think. Your body must know what to do before your brain catches up.

Anyone can learn how to fight back, but some people could benefit more than others.

“It’s important for everyone,” he said, “also children. Self-defence helps kids who are being bullied to stand up for themselves.