Women turn to self-defense sports following recent murders

The rise in violence and murders against women continues. Following the recent horrific events, many women have found a solution in turning to self-defense sports. 

34 WOMEN MURDERED IN SEPTEMBER ALONE

While 34 femicides were committed in Turkey in September alone, the negative impact of recent events remains fresh in memory. Turkey ranks first among OECD countries for violence against women, with a rate of 32 percent.  The age group most subjected to violence is women between 15 and 49... In response to the increasing violence, many women have begun to turn not only to the KADES application, pepper spray, and electroshock devices, but also to sports such as karate, boxing, and Muay Thai, where they can develop immediate self-defense skills. 

Women enrolling in gyms state that their self-confidence has increased, while the average price for training starts at 1,000 TL per month.

INCREASES SELF-CONFIDENCE

Judo National Team Coach Emine Baştağ, who has been training athletes for many years and is an athlete herself, stated that even the way women walk changes after receiving self-defense training, noting, "Women are able to walk on the street more confidently and courageously. This self-confidence and gait also make ill-intentioned people hold back. Women have recently turned to self-defense sports, but consistency is very important. Once an incident is forgotten, many do not continue their training.  If every woman acquires self-defense skills, they will at least be protected until law enforcement arrives," she said.

A DETERRENT SPORT

International Karate Referee Kamil Üci, who has been involved in sports and training students in Esenyurt for 42 years, pointed out that there is no age limit in karate, saying, "Women have turned more to self-defense sports following incidents of violence. In the past, our number of female students was low, but it has gradually increased over the years." Pointing out that knowing this sport can be a deterrent in moments of violence or robbery, Üci added, "Sports increase a person's intuition and self-confidence. It also improves balance, quick reaction to events, perception speed, and judgment speed. There is a significant increase in the number of women turning to self-defense sports," he said.

News Source: 12punto