Empowering the Community through Self-Defence Classes
In today’s world, feeling safe and secure in our communities is a top priority for many individuals. With the rise in crime rates and incidents of violence, it is essential to equip ourselves with the necessary skills to protect ourselves and our loved ones. One man, Andrew Wright, has taken it upon himself to empower his community by offering free self-defence classes in East Kilbride.
Andrew Wright, a 34-year-old resident of East Kilbride, established EK Spear System with the goal of providing SPEAR Training to anyone who feels the need for self-defence skills. SPEAR Training, which stands for Spontaneous Protection Enabling Accelerated Response, is a defence system that leverages an individual’s natural reactions to fear or violence. Andrew’s initiative to offer these classes free of charge comes in response to the growing concerns of safety and security among residents in the area.
Addressing Safety Concerns in East Kilbride
The decision to launch the self-defence classes stemmed from a series of incidents that raised alarm bells in the community. In July, a man was arrested and charged with multiple offences related to reports of allegedly following females in East Kilbride. This incident, along with other instances of crime, prompted Andrew to take action and provide a solution to help residents feel safer on the streets.
Speaking to the Glasgow Times, Andrew expressed his motivation for starting the classes. He shared, “I saw women on East Kilbride community pages saying they felt vulnerable and no longer safe on our streets and even men saying they didn’t feel they could go out safely to work out and such. I realized I was sitting on all this training I had which I could use to help locals in the community feel safe again.”
Building Confidence and Healing through Self-Defence
The self-defence classes not only aim to teach practical skills for self-protection but also serve as a platform for individuals to regain their confidence and sense of security. Andrew highlighted the importance of bringing together victims of assaults and attacks to support each other in their healing process. He emphasized, “The classes can help people build confidence again, as well as bringing people who have been victims of assaults and attacks together.”
Having completed a three-week use of force instructor course in 2022, Andrew has the expertise and experience to guide participants through effective self-defence techniques. As someone who has been a victim of several attacks himself, Andrew acknowledged that the classes have played a significant role in his healing journey. He shared, “They have healed me.”
Community Collaboration and Support
In addition to offering free self-defence classes, Andrew has collaborated with the Waist Not Want Not Community Centre in Green Hills, East Kilbride, to host weekly sessions for adults and children. The partnership with Little Brains, an East Kilbride-based charity providing mental health support to youngsters, ensures that participants receive holistic support for their well-being.
The classes are open to individuals of all ages and backgrounds, with each attendee receiving a free safety alarm to further enhance their personal security. Andrew’s commitment to giving back to East Kilbride, the community that has become his home, is evident in his efforts to provide valuable resources and support to its residents.
As Andrew continues to expand his self-defence classes, he is in the process of establishing his own classes in the Village Centre and reaching out to local boxing gyms to offer free self-defence training. The overwhelming demand for these classes reflects the pressing need for individuals to equip themselves with the necessary skills to protect themselves in various situations.
To learn more about the Little Brain classes or to get in touch with Andrew Wright and EK Spear System, visit their respective websites for additional information and resources. The initiative to empower the community through self-defence classes is a testament to the power of individuals coming together to create a safer and more secure environment for all.