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http://www.todayonline.com/singapore/guard-more-singaporean-women-take-self-defence-classes
On guard: More Singaporean women taking up self-defence classes
By Louisa Tang
Instructor Qin Yunquan showing a class made up largely of women a self-defence move. Self-defence schools have seen an increase in women taking up self-defence classes. Photo: Raj Nadarajan/TODAY
Published03 December, 2017
Updated 03 December, 2017
Above: Jowie Ching (R), decided to take up self-defence after being robbed while living overseas. Photo: Raj Nadarajan/TODAY
Haunted by her ordeal, Ms Ching decided to take up self-defence classes upon returning to Singapore about three years ago so she could better protect herself.
"Women are usually physically weaker than men. When a guy attacks you, if you put up a fight and you do not know (self-defence tactics), it's almost impossible to beat him," said the account manager, who travels frequently for work.
Ms Ching is among an increasing number of women here taking self-defence classes, a trend that corresponds with more of them travelling overseas or studying abroad on their own.
Several self-defence schools told TODAY that they have observed this upward trend for several years.
For instance, the number of women signing up for self-defence classes at Kapap Academy each year has doubled from about 3,200 to 6,400 over the past three years. About 75 per cent of the students at the academy, which has been operating for a decade, are women.
To cater to growing demand, Kapap now offers five basic self-defence classes a week, compared to two or three classes a week two years ago.
Students are taught how to fend off knife attacks, and to defend themselves against molestation and sexual assaults. Ms Qin Yunquan, Kapap's chief instructor, also roleplays potential scenarios with her students so they will be more prepared in real-life encounters.
"The idea of empowerment is attractive too — becoming a strong, independent woman," Ms Qin said of the appeal of the classes. A recent rise in molestation cases in Singapore is another motivating factor, she added.
In October, the police highlighted a 20 per cent jump in the number of cases of outrage of modesty from January to September this year, compared to the same period last year.
Among these cases, 152 happened on public transport, a 49 per cent jump. At nightspots, there were 76 cases of molestation logged in the first nine months, about 25 per cent higher.
Over at Cadre Academy, principal coach Leon Koh said more women are also going beyond beginner courses and are opting for advanced self-defence classes
"They realise it's an ongoing endeavour to stay safe and take charge of their own safety," he added.
Aside from physical self-defence, Cadre, which has seen a 20 to 30 per cent increase in the number of women taking self-defence courses over the past six months, also incorporates lessons on honing survival instincts and managing emotions, Mr Koh said.
Above: Emily Chen (C) took up self-defence as she will be away studying medicine in Australia for five years. Photo: Raj Nadarajan/TODAY
Those signing up for self-defence classes aren't just young working professionals. Mr Zackiee Ng, director and principal instructor of U-Elite Martial Fitness, said his students have ranged from as young as six years old to those above 60.
JF Self-Defence co-founder Jeffrey Fleury, who has seen a 60 per cent increase in women taking his classes over the past five years, said that young women studying overseas or taking short internships have become more safety conscious. "They want to be aware of how to handle the situation," he added.
One such student is 19-year-old Annabel Goh, who will be in a four-year speech pathology course in Australia from next year.
The former Pioneer Junior College student said she decided to take up self-defence classes as she will be living alone in a foreign country. She has taken five lessons so far, where she learned moves like palm strikes, and how to take a defensive stance.
"I really like it. It's definitely important to be prepared mentally and physically, especially as a girl," she added.
On guard: More Singaporean women taking up self-defence classes
By Louisa Tang
Instructor Qin Yunquan showing a class made up largely of women a self-defence move. Self-defence schools have seen an increase in women taking up self-defence classes. Photo: Raj Nadarajan/TODAY
Published03 December, 2017
Updated 03 December, 2017
- 181 Shares
Above: Jowie Ching (R), decided to take up self-defence after being robbed while living overseas. Photo: Raj Nadarajan/TODAY
Haunted by her ordeal, Ms Ching decided to take up self-defence classes upon returning to Singapore about three years ago so she could better protect herself.
"Women are usually physically weaker than men. When a guy attacks you, if you put up a fight and you do not know (self-defence tactics), it's almost impossible to beat him," said the account manager, who travels frequently for work.
Ms Ching is among an increasing number of women here taking self-defence classes, a trend that corresponds with more of them travelling overseas or studying abroad on their own.
Several self-defence schools told TODAY that they have observed this upward trend for several years.
For instance, the number of women signing up for self-defence classes at Kapap Academy each year has doubled from about 3,200 to 6,400 over the past three years. About 75 per cent of the students at the academy, which has been operating for a decade, are women.
To cater to growing demand, Kapap now offers five basic self-defence classes a week, compared to two or three classes a week two years ago.
Students are taught how to fend off knife attacks, and to defend themselves against molestation and sexual assaults. Ms Qin Yunquan, Kapap's chief instructor, also roleplays potential scenarios with her students so they will be more prepared in real-life encounters.
"The idea of empowerment is attractive too — becoming a strong, independent woman," Ms Qin said of the appeal of the classes. A recent rise in molestation cases in Singapore is another motivating factor, she added.
In October, the police highlighted a 20 per cent jump in the number of cases of outrage of modesty from January to September this year, compared to the same period last year.
Among these cases, 152 happened on public transport, a 49 per cent jump. At nightspots, there were 76 cases of molestation logged in the first nine months, about 25 per cent higher.
Over at Cadre Academy, principal coach Leon Koh said more women are also going beyond beginner courses and are opting for advanced self-defence classes
"They realise it's an ongoing endeavour to stay safe and take charge of their own safety," he added.
Aside from physical self-defence, Cadre, which has seen a 20 to 30 per cent increase in the number of women taking self-defence courses over the past six months, also incorporates lessons on honing survival instincts and managing emotions, Mr Koh said.
Above: Emily Chen (C) took up self-defence as she will be away studying medicine in Australia for five years. Photo: Raj Nadarajan/TODAY
Those signing up for self-defence classes aren't just young working professionals. Mr Zackiee Ng, director and principal instructor of U-Elite Martial Fitness, said his students have ranged from as young as six years old to those above 60.
JF Self-Defence co-founder Jeffrey Fleury, who has seen a 60 per cent increase in women taking his classes over the past five years, said that young women studying overseas or taking short internships have become more safety conscious. "They want to be aware of how to handle the situation," he added.
One such student is 19-year-old Annabel Goh, who will be in a four-year speech pathology course in Australia from next year.
The former Pioneer Junior College student said she decided to take up self-defence classes as she will be living alone in a foreign country. She has taken five lessons so far, where she learned moves like palm strikes, and how to take a defensive stance.
"I really like it. It's definitely important to be prepared mentally and physically, especially as a girl," she added.
