Women and children are being offered self-defence classes by a Bermudian worried over an increase in violence.

John Lynch-Wade, who has trained in martial arts and has Police experience, is setting up the courses for women aged 16 and over and children as young as five.

He will not teach martial arts, but will show women ways to get out of or avoid conflict with men and how children can avoid trouble with adults, or bullies.

"I decided to do these courses because of the increase in domestic violence and assaults on women.

"This programme will help women and children to be better able to defend themselves in a variety of situations which might crop up,'' said Mr.

Lynch-Wade.

The ten-week women's course, which costs $30 a week, will teach women how to get free from a man's grip and then get away from the scene.

It will also teach ways to deal with verbal abuse, aspects of the law, spotting danger signs and how to avoid danger areas -- such as walking on the side of the pavement away from parked cars.

For children the courses, which cost $75, will teach children what to say on a telephone, how to escape an adult's grasp and deal with peer verbal or physical abuse.

"These courses are not designed for a person to stand and fight, they are designed to help people get away from a threatening situation,'' added Mr.

Lynch-Wade.

The women's course starts on Monday, January 20, at the Jackson School of Performing Arts, on Burnaby Street, at 6.30 p.m.

Children's courses begin on Saturday, January 18, at the Chamber of Commerce building on Albuoys Point. There are classes for two age groups starting at different times.

For more information Mr. Lynch-Wade can be contacted on his pager number 297-9653.

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