Short courses in self-defence

We agree with Sensei Sevasta (The Sunday Times, March 22) that "learning how to defend yourself physically is a life-long commitment". However, short courses conducted by responsible schools and instructors can also be fruitful.

As in any other forms of art, such as music, one must practise for years to reach maturity. This concept applies also to self-defence.

Joining a short course about self-protection does not mean that it "may prove to be not only misleading but also dangerous". It is the attitude of the school itself and its instructors which makes a difference as to how fruitful these courses will be. Professionalism demands maturity and responsibility. This means that the instructors ought to make their students aware of the benefits and limitations of such courses. Students are not only introduced to the art of self-defence but also to other practices and skills, such as physical exercises, relaxation, theoretical knowledge, socialising, assertiveness, body language and much more.

Attending short self-defence courses conducted by responsible instructors continues to add knowledge to students as past students enrolling in such courses can testify.

Generally speaking, people know that to master an art, one needs years of training. It then depends on the student whether s/he wants to master the art or not. Once a course is completed, students can decide to leave, advance in further training, or be referred to other martial arts schools.

Attending a first aid course does not make one a doctor and does not necessarily mean that students will be able to practise first aid at the moment of trial. But this does not mean that such short and basic courses do not bear fruit. Are we to shut down all short courses as they are not a life-long commitment?

Self-defence courses are a window for many students to such an art and the first step towards achieving a higher level of discipline and control over oneself.