Ladies’ self defence workshops spark 'much needed' program

Even at 83 years old, one of the city’s most renowned martial arts instructors is finding new and meaningful ways to share his expertise.

Rudy Timmerman, a ninth-degree black belt and Grandmaster of the Legion Hapkido School, recently wrapped up a pair of ladies’ self defence workshops at the Marconi Cultural Event Centre.

36 women signed up for the classes to learn a variety of self defence techniques.

“The first thing I wanted to do is impress on them that this is a last resort kind of thing,” Timmerman says. “Don’t try and match yourself up against a predator – you’re not going to win. Use the element of surprise so you can get away.”

The idea to form the ladies’ self defence program was sparked after Timmerman felt disheartened with the community’s growing concerns surrounding safety, especially in the downtown area.  

“When I came to the Sault, nobody locked their doors, and your neighbours looked after you as much as your parents do,” he says. “Nowadays, people will steal things right from under your nose, and drugs have a lot to do with that.”

“It’s sad that such training is even needed to stay safe walking to a corner store, but it is the reality of today’s world – even in the Sault,” he adds.

Timmerman has taught martial arts all over the world, and he had his own school for nearly 30 years on Gore Street before retiring from teaching in 2012.

Now with the assistance of other instructors, the 83-year-old Grandmaster is impressed with what he’s seen from the women.

“To see some of the ladies come in a little meek, and then to walk out with their head held high is amazing,” he says. “It’s been a very rewarding experience.”

In addition to self defence techniques, the ladies also had the chance to practice their board breaking, which plays a vital role in boosting confidence according to Timmerman.

“I’ve learned over the years that breaking something empowers people,” he says. “Some of them were so surprised they could break a board. It’s so heartwarming for the instructors to see their confidence go up.”

Thrilled with how the women’s classes went, Timmerman is putting together a revamped ladies program for the new year, which will include weekly instruction on more self defence techniques, as well as cardio kicking and striking.

“We’ve had a great time,” he says. “It was so well received that some of the ladies have already signed up for further instruction.”

“Two classes are hardly enough to ensure a successful defence against a determined predator,” he adds. “I got the idea that I might need to do this on a steadier basis.”

All funds collected through club membership fees are donated to the Sault’s Legion branch, who Timmerman is very thankful for as they’ve provided them with the space to practice.

“We absolutely could not have done this without the assistance of Legion Branch 25, and we are grateful to the branch and the Marconi for giving us the opportunity to serve the ladies of our community,” he says.

The Legion Hapkido School will begin its four-month self defence program for ladies on Jan. 5 from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.