Interest in self-defence classes for women has increased in Cayman following the killing of Estella Scott-Roberts, with the police and private martial arts organisations launching courses to meet the growing demand.
The police and the Cayman Islands Shotokan Karate Federation are organising self-defence classes for women and were scheduled to hold their first one at West Bay tonight [Wednesday, 12 November] and plan to set up more classes in other districts.
Police said the one-off session tonight was in response to an increased fear of crime, particularly among the female population.
The hour-long class will give those attending the opportunity to learn a few self-defence moves.
‘We know there is an increased fear of crime and this is just one of the ways that we are hoping to address it,’ said Area Commander Chief Inspector Angelique Howell. ‘We hope that those attending will never have to use the moves they learn, however, if it helps to increase just one persons confidence it will be well worth it.’
The class, which will be held from 7-8pm at John A Cumber Primary School by instructor Stacy Boxwell, will teach women simple self-defence techniques.
This is the first of a number of classes that will be organised in George Town, the Eastern Districts and the Sister Islands.
Martial arts outfits are also organising self-defence classes as demand increases.
At Purple Dragon martial arts, a four-session course held over a total of eight hours was almost sold out.
The school says that several women have approached it to hold more classes, which the school plans to organise in the future.
‘We have had an increase in the number of self-defence applicants. I would say that this has come about as a direct result of the tragic and senseless murder of Mrs. Estella Scott-Roberts. I am of the opinion that many have now come to the realisation that we here in the Cayman Islands are not immune to such acts of brutal violence and it can happen to anyone of us,’ said Sensei Floyd Baptiste of Purple Dragon.
‘Many have resolved to do everything within their power to ensure that it does not happen to them. One such step would be to acquire some skills necessary to protect themselves in a close combat situation,’ he added.
Purple Dragon previously offered self-defence courses once every few months, but now plans to start offering them on a weekly basis.
‘Part of the reason is because the demand has increased and our class size is limited to 16 participants at a time. This is to ensure that we have an adequate student to instructor ratio and each person in the group walks away knowing that he/she can do something to effectively defend themselves the minute they leave our course,’ said Mr. Baptiste.
At the Purple Dragon course, participants learn how to respond to attacks and how to render an attacker unconscious.
‘This approach to self-defence may seem a bit extreme to some but rather that teach just a hit and run approach to self defence, we are of the opinion that if the attacker is unconscious then he can’t come after you; whereas one who is just hurt may become more vicious as he is now also seeking revenge in addition to his other motives,’ Mr. Baptiste said.
He added: ‘I deliver this self-defence course with a particular passion as I knew Mrs. Scott-Roberts personally as a friend and neighbour. My wife grew up with her husband and we worked with Estella when she was director at the Cayman Islands Crisis Centre coordinating several projects with the Purple Dragon Martial Arts School, including the Walk Against Violence.’
The next course will be held at Purple Dragon today from 12pm to 2pm.
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