In response to increasing reports of race-driven attacks against people of colour in our communities, building on the #StopAsianHateAlberta initiative to denounce racism, and in an effort to educate and help BIPOC and allies tangibly support racial justice, I’ve partnered with Elite Taekwondo, Jessie Cayabo of BONAFIDE Media & PR, and Carmen Cheng of Food Karma Blog, to offer FREE, virtual self-defence training classes for communities who may be at risk of attack.
Race-driven attacks are happening right here in our communities. To friends, neighbours, colleagues, strangers. People who are being verbally or physically assaulted because of the colour of their skin. There are reports of people of colour being attacked at transit stations, being verbally assaulted at grocery stores, literally just existing in public spaces. This is terrifying and wrong. We denounce these acts of hatred.
#StopRaceBasedHate and these free self-defence and de-escalation training sessions is a volunteer coordinated initiative. Our hope is that these skills help support all communities who may face race-based attacks.
These sessions also take place during Asian Heritage Month, an opportunity for all Canadians to learn more about and celebrate the many achievements and contributions of Canadians of Asian descent who, throughout our history, have done so much to make Canada the amazing country we share today.
The theme for this May’s Asian Heritage Month 2021 is “Recognition, Resilience, and Resolve”—and is meant to:
“Embody the myriad of sentiments that peoples of Asian descent in Canada have experienced and honours their contributions and their diverse stories which are rooted in resilience and perseverance. It is also a call to action for all Canadians to come together to combat all forms of anti-Asian racism and discrimination. Let us celebrate the incredible diversity that is our strength and be resolute in our stand against all forms of anti-Asian racism and discrimination.”
Intro to Self-Defence and De-Escalation Skills
- Wed, May 12, 2021 from 12 – 1:30 p.m. OR Sun, May 16, 2021 from 4 – 5:30 p.m.
- FREE, Virtual (via Zoom)
- Led by Kaitlyn Molo, 2nd Degree Black Belt, and Janan Jomha, 3rd Degree Black Belt
- Hosted by me! (Linda Hoang)
- Sessions generously donated by Elite Taekwondo
- Open to everyone. Limited spots available. RSVP before all spots are taken
RSVP FOR THE TRAINING SESSION!
These FREE virtual sessions (select May 12 or May 16 training dates) will offer simple and effective self-defence skills, practiced in a way that empowers individuals to recondition the flight-fight-freeze response into one of strength.
Learn how to tune into your own natural defensive senses to use body-language with verbal boundary setting skills, to control and de-escalate potential threats. To instinctually implement these proactive methods when confronted with a threat, it is necessary to first learn by doing.
Participants will get the opportunity to learn then execute skills (virtually) to gain confidence to navigate the disappointing and frustrating realities of our world today, where race-based hate crimes are on the rise.
Instructors Kaitlyn Molo, 2nd Degree Black Belt, and Janan Jomha, 3rd Degree Black Belt, of Edmonton, Alberta-based Elite Taekwondo, will teach participants how to protect yourself, your mother, grandmother, loved ones or community members who may face race-based attacks.
These sessions are prompted sadly by continued, disgusting attacks on minority groups and people of colour. This is just one tangible action YOU can take to protect yourself, or become a better ally to support those who may need help, and one tangible action my friends Jessie and Carmen and I are proud to help facilitate in our efforts to #StopRaceBasedHate and #StopAsianHateAlberta.
PLEASE NOTE: Both May 12 and May 16 sessions are the same training program. Please only register for one. A Zoom link will be emailed to participants prior to each session date. Please have Zoom downloaded and be familiarized with the video conferencing tool prior to the session.
Additionally, Elite Taekwondo is also offering a 20% discount off any of their training program for all participants of these free sessions. Details to be provided to registrants.
THANK YOU TO ELITE TAEKWONDO FOR DONATING THEIR EXPERTISE TO SUPPORT BIPOC COMMUNITIES AT RISK OF ASSAULT.
Below I’ve linked some Canadian resources for further anti-racism education and donations:
- Act 2 End Racism
- Canadian Anti-Racism Network
- Fight COVID Racism
- Elimin8hate
- project 1907
- Asian Mental Health Collective
- Inclusive Care Project: What should I do if I witness an Anti-Asian Hate Crime?
- Canadian Human Rights Commission
- Stop AAPI Hate (American)
There are countless news articles about increasing race-based hate crimes in Canada.
Read them. Believe them.
Learn how to properly de-escalate situations if you are in the presence of an attack.
Support BIPOC business owners, restaurants, artists, and creators.
STOP AAPI Hate also suggests you ask your workplace, school, faith-based institution, unions and community groups you may be involved with what they are doing to denounce racism.
Call on these organizations to support and take action.
Please join us in our call to:
Linda
- Follow @lindork on Twitter
- Follow @lindork on Instagram
- Like Lindork – Linda Hoang on Facebook
- Follow @lindork on TikTok
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