The taekwondo master with a new idea for tackling domestic violence

By ERIN MODARO

Taekwondo Master Alan Lau runs community martial arts classes in a studio in Ultimo. As an advocate for those experiencing domestic violence, Alan has a new idea for how self-defence training can play a part in helping women.

Alan told City Hub that there is currently a problem with self-defence courses targeted at women.

“The way self defence is taught… its very victim blaming” he said. Alan is not only a martial arts master, but a life coach and advocate for women’s rights. After taking domestic violence courses, he decided that while self-defence lessons can play a role, it needs to be paired with emotional and psychological support.

In Alan’s six week training course, participants will engage in “a mix of emotional, mental and physical training”. 

“One of the problems I see with self-defence programs, especially in schools, is that they are run over a few hours at worst, or a weekend at best” he said. The 6 week program Alan designed will allow for a mix of self-defence and life coaching. 

“It not enough to just take physical self-defence.”

Alan recognises a key fact about abuse; that women are more likely to be abused by someone they know rather than a stranger.

“Another aspect where traditional self-defence falls short is that it assumes the perpetrator is a random stranger” he said. 

Stastics from OurWatch Australia reveal that on average one woman is murdered by her current or former parter each week. I in 5 women have experienced sexual violence since the age of 15.

Taekwondo Master teaches basic self-defence moves

While the course will be split 50/50 with physical defence and other components, Alan says participants will learn basic self-defence manoeuvres.

“So some basic strikes, which areas of the body to attack.. you’re focusing on the physical technique and drilling those weekly” he said. 

*Sarah, who participated in the pilot class of Alan’s program, is currently coming out of a domestic violence situation.

“It was good to share my situation with others in the room” Sarah said. 

“I learnt about tools and resources, and several valuable points I hadn’t heard of before.”

Sarah also said she enjoyed “practicing the physical defence strikes” taught by Alan.

Alan also places emphasis on the fact that men also have a part to play in education. He said he took a course on recognising domestic violence, and noticed that he was the “only man in the room”.

“This program is initially targeted at women and girls” he explained, “but it’s about education and awareness that men and boys have to go through as well”.

“I’m trying to do my part as a male advocate,” Alan said.

The 6-week ‘Velocity Empowerment’ program is currently in a start-up phase. Alan hopes to partner with schools and companies to bring his new idea of self-defence to people across Sydney and beyond.

*Sarah’s name has been changed for anonymity.