Women’s self-defence seminar announced for Rose Hill

Published: Friday, 8th February 2019

A free women’s self-defence seminar is to take place in Rose Hill Community Centre on Sunday 24 February from 1pm to 3pm.

Funded from Rose Hill ward’s spend, the seminar will offer female attendees the chance to learn hands-on self-defence in a relaxed environment.  This initial class will be treated as a pilot, with a view to the project continuing if deemed successful.

The session will be taught by female black belt instructor, Sifu Tayyaba Hameed, who teaches kickboxing and self-defence in Oxford. Topics covered will include: safe striking techniques, simple strategies for escape, choke defences and how to combat hijab/hair grabs.

The class is open to all women and only 20 spaces will be available so applicants are advised to call or text 07534504786 as soon as possible to register their interest.

Councillor Ed Turner, ward member for Rose Hill and Iffley, said: “This is a great opportunity for local women to learn self-defence skills in a supportive environment. The class has been requested by local people and we are glad to respond to that need and are grateful to the excellent instructor for agreeing to lead it.”

Councillor Shaista Aziz, ward member for Rose Hill and Iffley, said: “The aim of this class is to create a safe and supportive environment for women to meet each other and to also learn self-defence skills which we hope will give them peace of mind and confidence to go about their day to day lives. There has been strong interest in the classes so far from a diverse group of women of many backgrounds and ages.”

Sifu Tayyaba Hameed, seminar instructor said: “Using effective and simple self-defence techniques that everyone can master, this session aims to make women feel safe and  secure regardless of their strength and size, and without any prior martial arts training.”