A TOTAL of 1,000 Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) enforcement officers will take part in the International Aikido Shudokan Training Camp starting tomorrow.
Petaling Jaya mayor Mohamad Zahri Samingon said the “Restraint and Removal” workshop will run from tomorrow until Sunday at the PJ Civic Hall.
“This training teaches joint locks, throws and other techniques to control an aggressor by redirecting their energy, which can be applied for defence and self-protection,” he said at a press conference at the local council’s headquarters.
He added that the event would be the biggest Aikido training of enforcement staff in the country and was set to be recognised in the Malaysia Book of Records.
A separate training under the “Women Awareness and Personal Safety Workshop” will be held on Saturday.
“We will have 1,000 women participate in the workshop,” said Mohamad Zahri.
He said the training would focus on breaking grips, countering an attacker’s centre of balance and using leverage against brute strength.
He highlighted that the training was practical as it would offer women skills for escaping a grab, which is a common scenario in self-defence situations.
He noted that the training would also boost confidence, improve balance, coordination, mental focus and situational awareness.
Mohamad Zahri added that the event, held in conjunction with Merdeka month, was intended to foster harmony while strengthening safety awareness in the community.
Earlier, Aikido Shudokan Malaysia and Singapore chief instructor Ramlan Ortega said the martial art offered simple, effective self-defence movements and promoted self-awareness and empowerment.
“Women often face unique challenges and threats while walking in the open.
“It is important for women to be equipped with the knowledge and skills to protect themselves,” said Ramlan.
Aikido, he explained, focused on throws, joint-locks and pinning techniques.
He said the workshop also drew 150 participants from 18 countries, including Australia, Hong Kong, South Korea, Singapore, Indonesia, Vietnam, Canada, Czech Republic, Qatar, the Netherlands, the United States, Russia, Croatia, Poland and France.
