Classes – Mission Beautiful Australia

On Saturday 1st of March 2014 F.T.O. KARATE-DO took a stand against domestic violence by donating charitable karate and self-defence classes at the Mission Beautiful Australia official magazine launch at the GPO Hotel in Fortitude Valley – Brisbane, Australia.

The first charity M.B.A. magazine is supporting the Manly Women’s Shelter which has helped people in times of crisis including the creator of Mission Beautiful Australia and her family. It costs $8000 to support one woman and her children for 3 months.

George Venkov, Chief Instructor of F.T.O. KARATE-DO for Australia in supporting the launch said.

“Around 90% of successful self-defense is walking away from violence. The other 10% is dependent on using physical force. It is easy to get into a fight but it’s much harder to prevent it.

“The most important thing is to stay away from trouble. I will give you an example of the startled horse, you would have to be insane to go near it no matter what reflexes you have. Stay clear of it and go elsewhere.

“Unfortunately, we live in a world with lots of violence and injustice. The cities are overpopulated, many of the people, especially young ones, are without work or hope for the future. They are detached from the strong family bond, have no discipline and don’t obey the laws.

“These people often use alcohol and drugs and have no control over their actions. Sometimes even the police can’t handle them. That’s why people like you and me need to be physically and psychologically prepared in a situation to minimise the risk of violence. No matter if it’s on the street, workplace, school or at home.

“Number one is to learn to protect yourself.  You should put some time aside to better your physical condition, which means you could enrol in a self-defense course with a martial arts club. Your better physical condition and technical skills will boost your confidence and help you think faster and clearer. It will alert you to potential trouble and help you concentrate easier if the moment of violence occurs.

“When should I use self-defence you may ask? Every person has the right to defend him or herself against physical attack. If you have taken every possible avenue to escape violence and have no chance of avoiding it by quick-witted conversation or physically running away, you will have to concentrate entirely on the upcoming conflict with the threatening person. The knowledge you have gained at the martial arts school will give you confidence and you will be successful. Let me tell you something about the discipline: The majority of people, who provoke violence are weak and cowardly, they are not martial arts trained and don’t know how to fight.

“The first thing you will learn when you enrol in our self-defence course is discipline. In other words, we will teach you how to control and manage your moves and emotions. For example, you will learn to block, kick, punch and restrain your opponent within the limits, that you make him stop his intentions towards you, and not destroy him totally.

“Precisely that will distinguish you from the attacker, who has no discipline and is prepared to go to the end.

“How do we recognise the eventual attacker on the street? Always keep away from people who act strange or look suspicious. Generally, they stick out and invade someone’s private space, example again, they start walking after you and encroach on your private space.

“Don’t let people you don’t know come closer than a step away from you. If someone is following you, let them pass and go in front of you, keep alert for eventual trouble the whole time.

“Please keep in mind that neither the drunk nor the person on drugs can be an equal opponent when you have mastered the art of self-defence. Remember that such individuals don’t follow a healthy lifestyle, they don’t have your physical or psychological powers, endurance and determination to succeed.  The attackers are often cowards and they are often urged on by desperation.

“Thank you for inviting me to speak at this event. I will now to show you some easy self-defence techniques.”