“We have been structuring these courses for twenty years. Now we are working on a self-defense course open to all. And we intend to provide tools that are not decisive but that give the possibility to face difficult situations “.
It is Gianni Colombini, head of the judo Cus section of Siena, who introduced the reason for the new cycle of self-defense courses reserved for girls and women that the Municipality has organized with the University Center. The decision of the public building to continue the initiative, it is explained, was taken because there was a lot of participation of the citizens and also numerous requests to continue the activity. “We teach how to prevent traumatic and violent events. And to use useful techniques in case of need: hakido, judo, ju-kitsu and judo ”, added Colombini.
Among women, she continues, “the expectations are different: there are those who imagine leaving this course as a soldier”. But, Colombini warns, “we must not raise expectations too much: we work to obtain few things that are usable when needed”. Finally, those who attend courses “often ask to be able to move safely in the workplaces of the city and in the places attended regularly”
“The message to launch? Participate in large numbers! ” because “these courses are fundamental”. This is the heartfelt appeal of the councilor for equal opportunities Clio Biondi Santi. In the post Covid period, the commissioner admits, “we must unfortunately highlight an exponential growth of this phenomenon” of gender-based violence. Hence Biondi Santi’s satisfaction in providing elements “useful for preventing and fighting it”.
Hosting the initiative is the Pala Nibbi in Via Aldo Moro 1, made available by Cus Siena together with the personal defense experts with the Mga method. The experts of the local Anti-Violence Center will also collaborate in the initiative and the association Donna calls Donna.
The courses will be divided into two levels, one basic and one advanced, for a total of 45 hours, and will be structured in such a way as to provide those who attend notions and tools useful for growing knowledge and self-esteem (physical, psychological and legal awareness) , in addition to the ability to react in situations of physical and psychological violence, without thereby instigating violence in relationships.
The meetings will begin on September 20 and will end at the end of December, they will be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 pm to 10.30 pm. To participate in the courses you must be of age, female and reside or work or study in Siena. To register or for more information, you can contact the Cus secretariat (telephone: 0577-52341, fax: 0577-52324, mail: [email protected]) or the technical contact of the course at 3347781450.
Registrations are already open and will close on September 19th.
