Self-defence for women in Alfaz and Albir, Costa Blanca

APPROXIMATELY 50 women took part in the recent, and free, course in Aikido self-defence. This was timed to coincide with the International Day for the Abolition of Violence against Women and was organised by Alfaz town hall’s Equality and Sports departments. Instruction was arranged by the local Club de Aikido Sakura and held at the Alfaz del Sol sports installation. Equality councillor Rocio Guijarro thanked Club de Aikido Sakura and particularly Aikido Master, Santiago Lopez, and Roque Lopez from the club, for their help in organising the short course. Each year it has attracted a larger number of women of all ages, Guijarro pointed out. This martial arts technique originate from Japan and is designed to overcome the differences between the strongest and the weakest individuals, employing basic skills to react adequately in a dangerous situation. Physical strength is not essential in Aikido and can be practised by people of all ages.