The first seconds are what count the most.

That is the main message that instructor Tim Foster delivered to 17 women participating in a four-week-long self-defence workshop which started on Sunday and is being held in the community room at Robinson’s Independent Grocer.

“The first few seconds are so vital because that’s when things will happen,” said Foster. “The first few seconds in any confrontation could mean being physically assaulted or not.”  

For the past 15 years Foster has trained in the Shorin-Ryu style of karate under sensei Gill Gauthier of Gauthier’s Martial Arts in Orillia and sensei Rob Keen, formerly of Huntsville.

On Sunday, the women who participated in Week 1 of the workshop were taught “the basics” from Foster, including how to react to confrontational situations like being robbed, followed or harassed by someone. Women were also taught simple self-defense techniques like grabs, kicks, punches, jabs and how to get out of the most common chokes and holds.

“We’re not here for one move, we’re here to learn several,” said Foster. “Some ladies have never made a fist in their life and they’ve got to be careful because if you punch the wrong way, you can damage your hand.”

Some good things to practice, Foster told attendees, are to be aware of their surroundings, travel with groups of people, show calmness and confidence, carry a cell phone if possible and avoid going to bank machines late at night.

“Avoidance is key,” he said. “Avoid anything you can. And always try to de-escalate the situation. They can call you all the names they want; all you have to do is turn and walk away. If a robber wants your money, give it to them. Don’t challenge them and don’t lose your temper. A lot of people are just looking for a challenge. Saying and doing things that do not threaten your attacker can give you some control in a situation.”

Foster went on to say it is utterly important for people to trust their instincts and familiarize themselves with places that they walk.

“If you have a gut feeling that someone is watching you and you are in a secluded area, get back to an area where there are more people around. Walking with a headset or a hooded sweatshirt on minimizes the chances of you being able to hear what’s going on around you.”

By the end of the workshop, participating women will learn four important elements to apply to their daily lives: focus, discipline, confidence and continuous improvement.

“Take each one and apply it to your life,” Foster said. “It’s helped a lot of people over the years. At the end of this, my goal is to have every participant walk away with an understanding and awareness of how to keep themselves safe.”

Marie Kearney, who is taking part in the self-defence workshop with her daughter, indicated that the reason she decided to sign up was because it provides participants with the knowledge of how to protect themselves in any situation.

“Every woman needs to be prepared because in life, there’s always going to be unexpected happenings.”