“Martial arts gives you great confidence to feel as though you can protect yourself.”
A Belfast jiu-jitsu instructor who teaches female-only self-defence classes says she hopes they will help women reclaim their power, not just physically but mentally as well.
Lorraine Gault began learning martial arts in her thirties, and says it is the best thing she has ever done. Now, 30 years later, she is hoping to give women the same life-changing experience she had.
She said: “I did team sports before learning jiu jitsu, so it took a while to get used to it, but it was so much fun whenever I got settled, because it was a social experience as well where I got to meet new people.
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“It’s been a constant thing in my life ever since. It keeps me fit, and mentally I feel so strong with it. But most of all, I’m learning how to protect myself in real-life situations.”
After training to become a coach in 2008, Lorraine began teaching jiu jitsu in primary and secondary schools, where she taught kids of all ages and even their parents.
Now, with violence against women and girls and domestic violence becoming an increasingly prevalent issue in Northern Ireland, Lorraine is encouraging girls of all ages to learn how to defend themselves.
“For girls, there’s an awful lot in the news about domestic violence in Northern Ireland. It can be quite scary to hear”, she continued.
“I think it’s really important for them to be strong, both mentally and physically. To know what is going on, and to be able to protect themselves.
“When you’re trained in martial arts, it becomes an instinct thing. I’m told that when you’re attacked, you have 3 seconds to save your life, which only gives you time to react instinctively.
“Hopefully, after being trained in self-defence, that would come to you automatically.”
Lorraine has taught women and girls who have previously been victims of domestic abuse, and has seen firsthand how devastating it can be.
“They can be so vulnerable. I find it quite shocking to take a class and see how these women have been so badly affected by domestic abuse. Even though I’m a female coach, they are still terrified.
“But martial arts gives you great confidence to feel as though you can protect yourself.
“People can be put off by it, thinking that it is purely fighting, but it’s about self-improvement and development, and you become a stronger person because of it.”
One of the schools Lorraine teaches at is Ballyclare High, where she has taught girls self-defence classes.
Michelle Rainey, the school principal, has echoed Lorraine’s encouragement, saying she is “proud” to offer the opportunity.
She stated: “Learning in school goes so much more beyond academic qualifications. It’s an opportunity for girls to learn to feel safe when they are out, and to feel as though they can protect themselves.
“They probably wouldn’t get the opportunity to do it otherwise. Martial arts isn’t something that girls can necessarily go and do unless they’re part of a club, so we’re very proud to offer that.”
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