Karate club teaching youngsters self defence to tackle knife crime
Youngsters are being taught self-defence and personal safety by their own peers thanks to a £9,000 grant.
Darlaston Karate Club has been awarded the funding so that young people can take the lead in tackling knife crime and make a change in their community.
Free weekly sessions are being delivered over the year after the cash was awarded by the National Lottery Community Fund.
Brandon Price, aged 15, who has attended every session said: “I’ve been able to learn a lot, including about knife crime and the bad things affecting society.
“I’m learning how to defend myself against knives and it’s a great way for kids to learn how to stay safe on the streets.”
More than 80 young people will benefit from the sessions, which will teach the importance of body language and assertiveness, how to avoid confrontation on the streets, as well as martial arts skills.
Sharon Felton, chairperson at Darlaston Karate Club, said: “The community really needs our support in tackling this knife crime epidemic.
"Our sessions will be held at Darlaston Town Hall, just down the road from where a 21-year-old man was fatally stabbed only a few weeks ago.
“Projects like this are so important to get children off the streets to meet new friends in a safe environment, build their confidence and raise awareness of the dangers of carrying a knife, making our community a safer and more secure place to live.”
Emily Parsons, 16, from Willenhall, one of the young volunteers delivering the sessions, said: “I’ve been coming to Darlaston Karate Club with my dad since I was six and we recently achieved our black belts together.
“It’s given me so much confidence and I wanted to volunteer to make a difference and give something back to other young people to protect themselves. It’s great that young volunteers, like me, will be leading the sessions as you can relate to another young person – you’re in the same boat and face the same problems together.”
Dan Felton, Karate Club teacher, said: “The kids are really engaging with the classes, they know the threats. We’re not teaching them how to fight, but how to defend themselves in dangerous situations.”
