Defence classes help protect women from violence at home

A Toowoomba martial arts expert is launching a new range of self defence classes for women to help address the growing rate of domestic violence.

DEFENSIVE DUO: Sijeh Sherrilyn Walters of the Chinese Martial Arts and Health Centre Australia demonstrates a self defence technique on her husband Sifu Lester Walters. Sherrilyn is teaching women-only classes in self defence to help combat the growing rate of domestic violence. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Sherrilyn Walters has been training in the arts of Kung Fu and Tai Chi for nearly two decades and now this martial arts master is hoping to share her vast knowledge of self defence and protection with women across the Darling Downs and Lockyer Valley.

Based in the tranquil setting of Flagstone Creek, Ms Walters has established the Chinese Martial Arts and Health Centre Australia alongside her husband, head SiFu Lester Walters.

Sijeh Sherrilyn Walters from the Chinese Martial Arts and Health Centre Australia is teaching women-only classes in self defence. Picture: Kevin Farmer

“I decided to launch a class solely focused on women’s self defence after a few friends and family members told me they had experienced domestic violence and physical assault in the past,” she said.

“Women’s situations have become more desperate since the pandemic started with domestic violence rates growing as we spend more and more time in isolated quarantine so I want to be able to share my knowledge in the hopes of keeping these women safe and alive.”

Ms Walters said since starting the five week long women’s only self defence classes she’s taught a wide range of women from different backgrounds and ages.

“I’ve had younger mother and daughter duos right through to women in their 70s complete the classes,” she said.

“One of the things we try and focuses on is how you can use items such as your backpack or handbag to protect yourself in a violent situation as well as how to disarm an attacker who is coming at you with a weapon.”

Sijeh Sherrilyn Walters of the Chinese Martial Arts and Health Centre Australia demonstrates technique on Sifu Lester Walters. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Ms Walters said she’s also recently started a follow on training option for women who wish to continue their training after the initial five week course is over.

“A number of ladies told me they would like to continue their martial arts training but would feel more comfortable in a female only setting so I’ve decided to offer a course which allows women to continue on after they’ve completed the first introduction classes,” she said.

“I think as we hear more and more about violence against women and we learn more about the effects it has on society, we’re seeing more women who want to learn how to protect themselves, in a safe environment.”

Sijeh Sherrilyn Walters is teaching women-only classes in self defence. Picture: Kevin Farmer

The defence classes are offered on Sunday afternoons at the Chinese Martial Arts and Health Centre Australia training facility in Flagstone Creek.

To find out more about the women’s self defence classes on offer and when the next round of courses are beginning contact Ms Walters on 0431 012 048 or at [e-mail].