Self-defense classes teach new Calgarians, minorities how to handle hate-motivated attacks

With hate-motivated attacks seemingly on the rise in the Calgary area, a new self-defense class is has been created for the city’s minorities and newcomers.

The Centre for Newcomers says it’s important for new Calgarians to be prepared for the worst, and that’s what the Filipino martial arts program is trying to do.

“It was the increase in violence against racialized communities, against women, against the LGBTQ+ community we’re seeing [that sparked the class]. We’ve been seeing a lot of anti-Asian hate increase in terms of verbal abuse or actual physical assault during the pandemic,” Anila Lee Yuen, president and CEO of the Centre for Newcomers, told OMNI News.

RELATED: Man faces charges in hate-motivated attack on the CTrain

When it comes to defending yourself, the martial arts instructor says education is the first step.

“Preparedness helps reduce the impact of conflict or crisis, especially violent conflict,” said Alvin Catacutan, who teaches martial arts.

“Just escape or leaving the situation or de-escalating is the number one priority so no one gets hurt. But if you don’t have the choice, having the training prepares you for that or reduces the impact or injury you may receive.”

Self defence classes para turuan ang minority groups na lumaban, sa gitna ng lumalalang problema ng racism sa Canada. Mahalaga raw maging handa anumang oras ang mga newcomers sa Canada. | @TheresaRedula pic.twitter.com/ssV9LhBi73

— OMNI Filipino (@OMNIFilipino) November 16, 2021

Yuen says the classes are not meant to encourage people to stay and fight if there’s an opportunity to remove themselves from the situation, but people need tools to help them defend themselves in the event the situation escalates.

“It will come from a place of surprise, how do you quickly recover from that and how do you get away as fast as you can,” she said.

“It’s about survival and about how to [survive] if somebody does attack you.”

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The classes are also helping build a sense of community, as Filipinos share their culture and martial arts with other Calgarians.

“Being in Canada, being an immigrant, a lot of times it means you’re trying to make ends meet sometimes or trying to fit in, or sometimes let go of things you love about your culture and heritage. Martial arts give you both empowerment and safety through self-defense training, as well as a sense of pride,” Catacutan added.

Beyond the self-defense classes, Yuen and Catacutan plan to share their call for action with authorities in the coming weeks.

“We want to, first of all, help them feel safe. And second, [we want to] be able to find solutions to be able to change and affect policy so that systemically. We don’t see as much of this anymore,” said Yuen.

These classes do not end in Calgary. According to Catacutan, plans are underway to develop workshops in cities across Canada.

“I have friends in Toronto that want me to come up. In Winnipeg, as well, [I’ll be] coming up in January,” he said.