A new form of self-defence known as Teratai is being introduced nationwide to help women defend themselves against snatch thieves, potential rapists and violent husbands.
The self-defence art focuses on simple techniques to pin down someone who is bigger. It was introduced at an hour-long demonstration to about 50 women at the service centre of Seberang Jaya assemblyman Arif Shah Omar Shah in Jalan Siakap yesterday.
Teratai founder Mohd Faiz Azmi said it was created after a two-year study based on the techniques of other martial arts, including silat gayung, silat tua, muay thai (kick-boxing).
“A victim needs to apply simple techniques, such as grabbing and pulling the hair of the enemy to pin him down or turning her body completely when she was grabbed from behind.
“The victim can even throw a man who is double her size if she turns her body instantly upon being grabbed,” he added.
Mohd Faiz said it took only about a day for anyone to learn the basic techniques of Teratai, a very useful form of self-defence for women, especially those who were physically abused by their husbands.
“It is also useful when dealing with snatch thieves who are on the prowl everywhere nowadays,” he added.
Arif Shah said Teratai was an effective self-defence for women when they were alone on the streets and in crime-prone areas.
“We cannot rely entirely on police to help us but we need to help ourselves by learning self-defence skills,” he added.
Sourced from http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2007/7/31/nation/18447934&sec=nation
