The municipality of Orbetello will launch a free self-defense course in January, fully funded by the local government to promote safety and risk awareness.
The initiative, titled “Prevent, Protect, Defend,” arrives as the town prepares for the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women on November 25, La Nazione reported.
Orbetello Administration and Sporting Club Albinia Collaborate on Training Program
The program is a collaboration between the Orbetello municipal administration, the Equal Opportunities Commission, and the Sporting Club Albinia. According to Grosseto Notizie, the course spans 24 total hours, with two 90-minute sessions held each week. Participants are required to provide a non-competitive medical certificate and pay a 20-euro insurance fee to enroll.
“The project is conceived to develop awareness, prevention skills, and responsible behavior in situations of potential risk,” said Ivan Poccia, the local assessor for sports, as reported by La Nazione. The curriculum focuses on an integrated approach: observing environments, recognizing danger signals, managing emotions, and communicating effectively. Physical techniques are introduced only as a secondary, necessary response.
Kan Judo Ryu System Prioritizes Avoidance and Risk Management
The course utilizes the Kan Judo Ryu system, a discipline designed to prioritize avoidance over physical confrontation. “Fighting is the last resort, escape is the most effective solution,” said Aveliano Bettolini, the technical instructor from the Sporting Club Albinia, in comments reported by La Nazione. This system is tailored to be accessible for a wide age range, including preadolescents starting at age 12 and elderly participants.
The administration emphasizes that the initiative is intended to provide practical tools for risk assessment and panic management. “L’amministrazione quest’anno, oltre a una campagna di sensibilizzazione e a un evento dedicato, ha voluto organizzare un’iniziativa che offre fattivamente la possibilità alle donne di imparare a proteggersi,” said Deputy Mayor Chiara Piccini, as reported by La Nazione.
Related initiatives in Reggio Emilia
The municipality of Reggio Emilia previously offered a free self-defense course for women aged 13 and older, organized in collaboration with the SHODAN Martial Arts School and the Nondasola anti-violence center. That program, aimed to provide a “map” of local support services alongside physical training, highlighting that many instances of abuse occur within domestic settings.
Register for the Orbetello Course via Phone or Email
Residents interested in the Orbetello course can register by contacting Aveliano Bettolini at 339 1544875 or Stefano Spaggiari at 340 3444800. Inquiries may also be directed via email to [email protected]. As of mid-November, the municipal administration has confirmed the program will begin in January.
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