A course designed by the Edmonton Police Service has combined safety tips with self defence tactics.
The full-day session, called Hard Target, was designed to educate civilians how to protect themselves against various situations.
“When we mix and match it with the self defence techniques they seem to be quite happy to come out and spend a Saturday with us,” EPS Sgt. Ryan Lawley said.
The class is something that David Lawrence said he could have used during an encounter in Saskatoon.
“A fellow coming towards me managed to hit me,” he explained, adding that he then tried to outrun the attacker but the man chased him down.
“When he had me in a choke-hold I couldn’t get myself out of it.”
Lawrence said the attacker was arrested and charged while he walked away with a black eye and broken glasses.
“If I would have known what I know now I would have not avoided the first impact but I would have avoided getting hurt at the end.”
“We live in a very safe country, a safe province and a very safe city but stuff can happen,” instructor Calen Paine said.
He added that awareness was the first tool people need.
“If you can see it in advance, you can avoid it in advance.”
Followed by the ability to talk yourself out of danger.
“Try to talk yourself out of a situation, to try and verbally diffuse it,” Paine added.
If that doesn’t work, Paine said people would benefit from knowing a few basic techniques, which is what the course provides.
“There is no one foul-proof technique.
“You need a few simplistic tools, gross motor tools, in your toolbox that work in a wide variety of situations.”
According to the EPS, over 500 people have taken the course since it was first introduced in 2011.
With files from Sarah Richter
