Knowledge of self-defense essential for women

7 September 2024

By AVV

PENAMPANG: Self-defense provides a multitude of benefits for women, equipping them with both practical skills and a sense of empowerment that can be invaluable in safeguarding themselves in situations that may pose a threat to their safety.

By engaging in self-defense training, women not only acquire physical techniques to defend themselves effectively but also cultivate a mindset of self-assurance and assertiveness.

This combination of skills and confidence enables women to navigate potentially hazardous circumstances with a greater sense of control and security, ultimately enhancing their overall safety and well-being.

Michelle Koh, a well-known Karate champion believes that women should be empowered in such a way that they know how to escape a dangerous situation by acting as fast as possible.

According to her a woman or a potential victim should act within a three second space of time to act.

According to her the "three-second response" in self-defense refers to the critical time frame in which an individual must assess a threat and react appropriately to ensure their safety.

This concept emphasises the importance of quick decision-making in potentially dangerous situations.

The three-second response in self-defense emphasises the need for quick assessment and action in the face of immediate threats, ensuring that responses are both timely and proportionate to the danger presented.

She was at Wisma Wanita here recently, where 100 attendees participated in the "Self-Defense Arts Course for Women" as part of the anti-sexual harassment campaign.

This event was organised by the Department of Women's Affairs of Sabah (JHEWA) with Fuze Sabah Physical Skill Club.

The course aimed to empower women by equipping them with essential self-defense skills in response to the increasing concerns about safety and harassment in society.

Michelle said the response to the workshop was overwhelmingly positive, reflecting the urgent need for such initiatives given the rising occurrences of harassment affecting women and children in various environments.

This one-day workshop was designed to instill awareness and provide basic self-defense techniques, empowering participants to protect themselves in potentially dangerous situations.

“Throughout the workshop, we focused on raising awareness about the realities of harassment and the importance of self-defense. Participants learned about the various types of harassment that can occur, which helped underscore the necessity of being prepared.”

“I emphasised the quickest and smartest ways to respond when faced with a threat. Participants were taught specific areas of the body that can be targeted for maximum effectiveness. These areas include vulnerable spots that, when struck, can cause significant pain and give the individual a crucial advantage to escape the situation.”

“Additionally, I introduced self-defense techniques I developed myself, tailored to be easily taught and executed by individuals of varying physical capabilities. This approach ensures that the techniques are not only effective but also accessible to everyone, regardless of their in-experience in martial arts.”

"This includes understanding how to utilise various objects at your disposal, whether they are items within your reach or parts of your own body, as effective weapons in self-defense. This can include an umbrella, a handbag among others."

Overall, the workshop aimed to equip participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate and confront harassment, fostering a sense of empowerment and confidence that extends beyond the classroom.

Michelle, a remarkable athlete known as the "Karate Kid," made her mark in the world of martial arts by winning a gold medal in Karate at the 1989 Southeast Asian Games in Kuala Lumpur.

From 1987 to 1995, she represented Malaysia with distinction, amassing over 15 gold medals in both KUMITE and KATA. Her unwavering dedication and exceptional skill set her apart in the sport.

Her consistent success over those eight years earned her numerous accolades, including the prestigious Most Promising Sportswoman Award for Sabah in 1989 and the title of Sabah Sportswoman in 1990 and 1994.

In recognition of her outstanding achievements, she was bestowed with the title of Bintang Kinabalu (BK) by the State of Sabah.

After retiring from competitive Karate in 1996, Michelle channeled her passion for sports into academic pursuits, earning a degree in Sports Science from New South Wales, Australia.

She became a certified fitness instructor and further elevated her career by founding Scott Michelle Fitness Professional, a Gym Aerobic Studio located in Damai, Luyang.

This venture reflects her enduring commitment to promoting health and fitness in her community.

Michelle also offers personalised training sessions upon request, showcasing her dedication to helping others achieve their fitness goals, as demonstrated in a recent event held at Wisma Wanita. Her journey from a celebrated athlete to a fitness entrepreneur highlights her lifelong passion for sports and wellness.