Free Self-Defense training in the city draws over 30 female participants

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By Mariela Angella Oladive

Fostering community well-being and empowerment, over 30 women gathered recently at Kommune and Tiger Fitness and Recovery Club for ‘In Her Defense,’ the club’s first-ever free self-defense training.

The event was organized by Kommune and Tiger Fitness in collaboration with MDS Jiu-jitsu Iloilo, led by Jiu-jitsu champion and beauty queen Kimberly Anne Custodio.

The training focused on equipping women with essential self-defense techniques.

Sim Griño, one of the event organizers of the seminar, shared that the event started spontaneously.

“We messaged the organization last week, suggesting the idea of conducting this event. Then Kim agreed to do it immediately the following week since she’s here in Iloilo. Thankfully, we received support from everyone,” he said, further outlining future plans.

“We are already planning to organize similar events, bringing in athletes from various sports. Our aim is to provide comprehensive self-defense lessons and promote overall fitness among women.”

While this marks the first women’s seminar, the organizers have been conducting seminars in Iloilo for the past two years, primarily centered around Jiu-jitsu.

It is also the first community-based activity conceptualized with this agenda.

“The primary goal has always been to build a supportive fitness community that collaborates and helps each other,” the organizer said.

The seminar covered various aspects of self-defense, including escapes from strangulations (wall and lying down), dealing with sudden attacks (hair pulls, headlocks), maintaining distance from an attacker, and controlling and tiring out bigger, stronger opponents until help arrives. The event concluded with a warm-up session and valuable insights from the skilled Jiu-jitsu practitioner.

Kim Custodio told Daily Guardian the importance of self-defense using the beyond physical benefits.

“Jiu-jitsu is the best martial arts to learn self-defense. Likewise, to be fit. It’s like human chess – you keep moving and thinking. Beyond self-defense, it also benefits you mentally, helping you plan and strategize,” she added

The attendees included key figures such as Michael Tiongson and Lyka Tiongson, owners of the fitness club; Karla Araneta, owner of Kommune and Tiger Fitness; Myron Mangubat, a recent SEA Games Bronze medalist; and Sim Griño, the event organizer.

The success of event underscores the community’s commitment to women’s safety, fitness, and empowerment, paving the way for future initiatives in Iloilo.