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This Saturday, March 15, Pierre Elliott Trudeau Elementary School on Bourget Street in Vaudreuil-Dorion will be hosting a unique event from 1pm to 6pm. Spearheaded by Mélissa Degongre and Harry Stergiopoulos, the activity will take the form of a self-defense seminar, and aims to enable participants to acquire the simple notions they need to feel safe anywhere, anytime. 

On Friday, March 7, Néomédia met with two of the organizers to better understand and demystify the concepts taught during this five-hour event called Elle a le Pouvoir/Empower Her. Interestingly, the aim of the event is not only to teach women the basics of self-defence, but also to raise funds for the Canadian Women's Foundation. According to its website, this organization has four areas of intervention: Escaping Violence, Getting Out of Poverty, Girls and Leadership. 

If the event is held on March 15, it's to enable a large number of women to attend. “There are always a lot of activities taking place on March 8 for International Women's Rights Day. We didn't want those who wanted to join us to be split between several activities. That's why it's being held a week later,” confides the pair. 

For those interested, you don't need to be in Olympian shape to join the seminar. “The techniques are for everyone. Women, men and children alike can practice them. Those who are more fit may add an extra move or two to the routine (laughs). Between 200 and 300 places are available to attend this activity”, they mention.  

Krav Maga, a blend of awareness and knowledge 

In addition to his day job, Harry Stergiopoulos, a student of Thierry Cimkauskas, Master Instructor and International Expert, is an instructor and owner of the Krav Maga gym in Vaudreuil-Dorion. This fighting method differs from karate or martial arts in that it emphasizes anticipation and counter-attack. Krav Maga concepts will be shared with participants next week. 

“We decided to organize this seminar because violence in all its forms is very present in society. Easy access to pornography and violence on TV has also greatly increased cases of domestic violence. We think it's normal behavior because that's how it is on these sites. Whether it's in the supermarket, on the street or in the school playground. It's important that people know how to defend themselves to ensure their safety. The activity is aimed mainly at women, but men and children are also welcome. What we're going to show can be applied by anyone,” he begins. 

Mélissa Degrongre is the owner of Heka Innergy, and has been practicing Krav Maga for six years at the Vaudreuil-Dorion gym. “During the workshop, we'll share technical notions with participants, but also simple tricks to enable them to be aware of their surroundings and ready to face any situation. That's what Krav-Maga is all about: a blend of awareness and knowledge. If you see someone coming to attack you, but you don't know how to defend yourself, it's no use. You need to know how to react. Our aim is to give women back their confidence and make them capable of dealing with any situation,” she adds. 

Krav-Maga is about applying techniques that make a difference, without hurting people. “We teach participants to be vigilant. We also do prevention. If you see someone with an axe on the same sidewalk as you, you can change sidewalk and walk away, without trying to fight. That's also what Krav Maga is all about. ”

In his premises on rue Charbonneau, in Vaudreuil-Dorion, Mr. Stergiopoulos welcomes a diverse clientele ranging from adults who wish to learn the basics of self-defense to children who have suffered traumas. “We receive women who have been sexually assaulted or raped, but also children who are being bullied at school. After a few weeks with us, they regain confidence and come out of their shell and take back power over their lives. This is our true pay, to see them smile and no longer act like a victim,” he says. 

Different ticket packages available 

Those who would like to attend the seminar will be required to purchase tickets in a variety of packages. 

The first is an individual ticket at $125. The second is the General Admission/Keep Giving option which costs more, but funds the participation of a woman who currently resides in a women’s abuse shelter in the area. 

 “I am in contact with these resources from the west of the island and have invited the women who live there to attend this event so that they learn notions to better protect themselves. They can be with us anonymously. This form of tickets allows to finance part of their tickets,” summarizes Ms. Degongre. Tickets can also be purchased on the day of the event, although it is best to do so before the event to allow organizers to better predict the instructor-student ratio. 

Another package, for example, allows a company that wants to get 20 tickets and access the advice of a dedicated instructor during the seminar. A good idea of a practical activity to offer your staff.  “We really hope that companies will respond to the call and participate in the event in large numbers. We would like to repeat the experience on Mother’s Day,” she says. 

On the day of the activity, the participant does not have to bring anything special, but it is recommended to wear comfortable clothing and good shoes. Drinks and snacks will be on sale on site. 

To give an idea of the exercises that will be shared during the seminar, Mélissa and Harry have agreed to make a video demonstration for Néomédia. In the first capsule, they practice a technique of self-defense in the face of a strangulation situation. In the second, they do the same, but in simulation a situation involving a knife. 

For more information or to get tickets for the Elle a la Pouvoir/Empower Her activity, go to this Eventbrite link.