Learn martial arts for self-defence - Nigerian OAP Ratata urges women, girls

A Nigerian On-Air-Personality (OAP), Wilson Emadomi, popularly known as Ratata, has called on women and girls to learn martial arts so they can acquire self-defence skills.

Emadomi gave the advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) at a self-defense programme on Saturday in Lagos.

NAN reports that the event which was held in Festac Town, was organised by Emadomi, in collaboration with Guts-Da Ultimate Self-defence.

Emadomi, who works with radio station, Wazobia 95.1 FM, said the programme is aimed at teaching participants skills that can help them protect themselves or escape, if attacked.

According to him, as an OAP, he had heard of many cases of women and girls who are victims of attacks, including domestic violence, sexual assaults, and kidnappings.

He said that apart from Festac Town, the programme had been held in other areas of the state, including Ikeja, Berger and Ajah.

“These women can get basic skills to keep them safe in such moments and be able to escape or take care of such situations before help reaches them,” he said.

Emadomi further said that apart from self-defence skills, learning martial arts will also help improve self-confidence for women and girls.

“You can do it. You can learn skills to prevent yourself from being raped, killed or kidnapped,” he urged.

Also, a Self-defence Instructor, Sunday Igbinedion, said the seminars, which were part of the programme, will sensitise the participants on how to reduce risks.

Igbinedion, who is also the African Director, Global Unarmed Tactical Self-Defence Association, said many victims could have escaped attacks with basic skills.

“With situational awareness they can defend themselves and the knowledge of physical approaches can help them when it becomes mandatory and there’s no way out,” he said.

Some of skills the participants learnt included defence against wrist and hair grabs from attackers, preventing attacks while on the ground and how to prevent being choked.

The combative techniques learnt were hammer fist and palm heel strikes. (NAN)