26 Sept 2009: AWDS Self Defence Workshop for Women, in aid of the Molly Lee Appeal

“ The Shield” …. “The Wedge”… Even your own Thumb can be used to defend yourself ! Did you know your elbow could be a lean mean weapon ?

AWDS organized a self defence course for its members and friends. Conducted by Mr Aaron le Boutillier (www.leboutilliergroup.com) it was like no other course on the market. Forget akido…forget the karate chops…what are you REALLY going to do when you’re grabbed by an assailant by the hand, or neck, or from behind, or by your hair ? What if you’re stuck in a hotel or HDB lift? Or pinned down by a sexual attacker? Break free and Run away as fast as you can, really !

Ladies that attended were treated to a 2.5 hour fun-filled course on break-away tactics. They learnt to “own the space they walk in” to discourage would-be attackers, be more self-aware of their surroundings, and were taught moves to break free from an attacker’s grip.

Not only do the pictures testify to the amount of laughter and fun the ladies had, but they were empowered that afternoon with some essential skills to fight back, whilst doing their bit for charity.

$1800 was raised from the event and donated to the Molly Lee Appeal, in aid of needy women with cancer and other chronic conditions. The Appeal was set up in memory of Molly Lee following her demise from ovarian cancer. She clinched the Vanilla Magazine/ Channel News Asia inaugural Singapore Woman of the Year Award in 2008 for becoming a source of comfort to women even while battling cancer herself through a website she set up in 2007 for women to share knowledge and their experiences. She died two months after receiving the award.

Donations to The Molly Lee Appeal are administered by the KK Hospital Health Endowment Fund (KKHHEF) and entitled to double tax exemption. KKHHEF raises funds for needy patients as well as education, research and disease prevention programmes targeted at women’s and children’s health.