Darren Ansell (right) is an instructr of Krav Maga which takes its influence from many martial arts disciplines
The disabled and members of the gay community are queuing up for martial arts self-defence classes.
Darren Ansell is a Krav Maga instructor and says he has seen a sharp increase in inquiries from those with disabilities and from members of the LGBT community anxious to protect themselves from attack.
“We have had many people contact us who have come from many situations,” he said.
“The clubs have had people come to them from many different backgrounds. Some have experienced domestic abuse, others who have disabilities including a class of blind people and people in wheelchairs.”
He said the rise in homophobic attacks had prompted many to take steps to protect themselves.
“Having family members and friends who are gay or lesbian I am left feeling angry and frustrated with the amount of homophobic attacks and these are on the increase.
“It’s great to see the LGBT community beginning to see the benefits of learning self defence. Nobody no longer needs to be the victim. I and the club very much look forward to working further with the disabled, LGBT community and women who have either been the victim of some form of attack or abuse.
Pure Krav Maga uses techniques from martial arts such as Wing Chun, Judo, Jujitsu and Aikido as well as fight training and sports such as boxing, wrestling and grappling.
And instructor Darren Ansell, 39, said those suffering from depression have also turned to him for help.
“I have been contacted by people who are feeling depressed and vulnerable with very little confidence after going through some sort of traumatic experiences, examples of these are people who have been the victim of homophobic attacks, men who have been the victim of attacks and people in abusive relationships. “
He said he has witnessed a transformation in many of his students.
“We know of students who have used it with great success while on holiday or a night out at their local pub. One student was walking home alone one night when he was approached by four guys who obviously had alcohol taken and just looking for someone to start a fight with.
“The student was able to see off his first two attackers while the other two ran while leaving their mates behind. Another female was followed one night by some males while on holiday and was able to use her wit and knowledge to handle that situation with great effect.”
Krav Maga rose to fame when it was featured in films such as The Bourne Trilogy and Taken in recent years.
But Darren, from Banbridge, puts the technique’s growing popularity down to the martial art’s suitability for a wide range of communities who require self defence skills.
“Pure Krav Maga, which was originally developed in Israel, has been described as the most realistic self defence system in the world today.
“As a result of that it means it’s suitable for everyone. The clubs across Northern Ireland have students who are male and female and I’ve seen ages range from 18 to 72.
“Our aim is to train, teach and give confidence to any student who comes through the doors.”
His own motivation was not only self-preservation but to protect his family.
“With street crime becoming a more common news story when I heard about Krav Maga classes they sounded perfect for me. Protecting myself, family and friends was of utmost importance.
“With the unfortunate situation that we all face today with knife crime, muggings, rape, domestic violence, robberies, car hijackings and rise in common assaults out on the street the skills learnt at a Pure Krav Maga class will help people deal with any of those situations.”
Darren admits he has been on the wrong end of bad situations in the past.
“On one particular night out with my wife, two individuals decided they were out looking trouble and I ended up in an argument with them.
“I did what I always did and attempted to calm the situation and ensure the night out was a peaceful one for everyone, I was on my own at this particular point. I made the mistake of turning my back and walking away.
“That’s all I remember until I seen an ambulance. Apparently I was attacked from behind and beat unconscious with the attackers still punching and kicking while I lay out unconscious on the floor.”
One of his attackers ended up in prison but it was enough to convince Darren it was time to learn self defence.
“We are always delighted to hear of stories of how the training has helped students in various different situations.
“One girl had to use it to defend her boyfriend while others have been faced with drunken thugs while making their way home from a night out. “
Anyone interested can visit www.vaultdefence.com.
By Tina Calder