CITY centre residents have taken part in self-defence classes to increase their confidence when out and about in the local area. 

The classes, run by SKMS Krav Maga, were organised and funded by Garnethill Neighbourhood Watch (GNW).  

Bill Beckett, chair of GNW, said: “Members of the community or members of the public should be able to take care of themselves so should they be in a situation where they come home at nighttime.  

“You seem to be reading about it in papers or listening to it in the news about people being attacked."

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Bill says the course has given those who’ve taken part more confidence when out and about and that they’re keen to build on their skills.  

He added “The people who’ve completed the last three courses and they’ve said ‘it’s brilliant, we wish we could do more’.  

“So what our intentions are after the course is done, we’re going to arrange for all the participants of all four courses to get together and do another course in a months time.  

“This will be a more advanced course, so that’s our aim.” 

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The course is taught by SKMS Krav Maga, who aim to make Scotland a “safer and fitter place to live” and teach students about awareness, alertness and avoidance.  

Krav Maga was first used by the military but has evolved into a system that can be used by civilians.  

Bill said: “These guys are absolutely outstanding.  

“They go through everything, every little detail so you don’t miss anything,  

“At the end of the day, we hope they don’t have to use these techniques but they’re there for them in the event of something happening.” 

As well as the self-defence classes, GNW has also issued around 130 personal attack alarms to residents.  

On Saturday, November 4, participants on the most recent course gathered at Garnethill Multicultural Centre where they were awarded with certificates from local police officers.  

A spokesperson for SKMS said: "SKMS provides a comprehensive self-defence course based on instinctive responses against realistic scenarios.

"Suitable for all age groups and abilities, we focus primarily on preventive and de-escalation techniques but also on the physical side as predatory behaviour, domestic abuse etc often require physical interventions to enable disengagement.

"The confidence the system provides (from individual feedback and online reviews) has helped many people with their everyday lives as well as health and fitness benefits.

"The course can be delivered on a 1-2-1  basis, for small or large groups as both regular classes or one-off well-being events. More info can be found at www.scotkravmaga.co.uk."