Martial arts couple raising money to offer self-defence classes to disabled people

Emma and Craig Connell are looking to fund self-defence classes for the disabled

A Rochdale couple who run a White Tiger Jujitsu in Royton are raising funds so they can offer self-defence to disabled people.

Emma and Craig Connell believe that those with physical disabilities should have better access to self-defence classes in order to give them more confidence and also something productive to focus on.

The Heywood pair, both jujitsu teachers, were inspired by a family member who is blind and yet took on the challenge of learning self-defence.

Mrs Connell, who suffers from Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Joint Hyper-Mobility Syndrome, knows all to well what it is to be physically restricted, and has decided to do all she can to provide the extra service at the club.

She said: “When teaching self-defence you get to show people how to react in hostile situations, not just fighting back but how to diffuse a situation. Not many martial arts clubs offer classes to everyone.

“We really want to help those who in today's society could be a victim of crime, and that means everyone, men, women, children, or those with additional needs or disability.

“We already offer classes for men, women, children and those with additional needs, so now we are extremely keen to start up a class for the disabled.

“In order for us to do this, there are some improvements that must be made. We need a threshold ramp to enable wheelchair access. We will need another 30 mats for the floor. This will give enough room for people to train in a safe environment without risk to anyone, and we would also love to raise enough money to spruce the place up. We want this community focused Martial Arts Club to be friendly, welcoming and professional.”

To donate, visit:

http://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/oldham-white-tiger-jujitsu-hq/