Ladies enjoy self-defence classes

May 24 2007 Blairgowrie Advertiser

THERE was a great turnout at Rattray Hall for the free four-week self-defence course run by John Anderson and Perth and Kinross Leisure.

John and Linda Anderson, who run the Ippon Karate Club, collectively have several decades of martial arts experience behind them.

The ladies learned many different aspects of self defence, from calming tactics to lethal blows, and had ample opportunity to practise on the two willing volunteers Kevin Walker and Derek Gillies.

One of the older participants said, ''I thought it was very clear and felt I could take on any attacker.''

The course had come about through a questionnaire distributed by Susie Black, Healthy Lifestyles Project Worker for the Rattray area.

''The feedback shows that people enjoyed being made more aware and confident about possible dangers, especially within such a friendly environment,'' said Susie.

Perth and Kinross Leisure currently have many Healthy Living Initiatives in the Blairgowrie and Rattray area, including the Motivation to Move lunchtime classes which will restart on Tuesday, June 5, and the ever growing Stride for Life Group, which meets at various times on Wednesdays.

''We’re always trying to keep people informed about activities in their area – watch this space,'' Susie added.

Susie can be contacted about fitness activities on 07914 700988. John and Linda can be contacted about Self Defence/Karate on 01250 870751.