Pam's Pen

Pam's Pen - It's a weekend that literally changed my life.

A small group of Lab. West women came together March 20-21 to learn the fine art of self-defense and though I was prepared to enhance my skills over the 12-hour workshop, I didn't expect it to be so empowering.

Throughout my whole life, my parents have encouraged me to take part in a self-defense course, but it wasn't a program that was readily available in Lab. West.

When I learned the local Status of Women would be hosting Wenlido Self-Defense Training for free, I signed up right away.

There's a running joke in my group of family and friends that I am the weakest girl in Labrador City, so if there was anyone who needed self-defense training, it was me.

Nine other like-minded individuals signed up for the training and a facilitator from Goose Bay came to Lab. West to deliver it.

The first few hours included a lot of information about Wenlido, and when women can use it; and there was also a fair bit of discussion throughout the two days about self-defense and the law.

The best part, of course, came when it was time to learn some moves.

In addition to moves like the hammer fist, eagle claw, and stomp, we learned how to get out of holds, what to do to get out of an uncomfortable situation and how to use our bodies to our advantage.

Over the two days we took our frustration out on canvas bags and encouraged each other to put 110 per cent effort into our practice.

There were also a number of chances to share personal stories with the group and it still amazes me how easy it was for 10 people to bond over such a short amount of time.

We all had a vested interest in the success of the person next to us and everyone was determined to come out of the training stronger than when we went in.

It's hard to explain the atmosphere and how it changed over the course of two days. We started as a group of relative strangers who wanted to learn a little about how to protect ourselves, but when we finished we were a group of strong women who felt we could tackle the world. It's a feeling that has stuck with me over the last few weeks and I think it speaks to the relationship between women.

In many cases, women are quick to tear each other down and aren't always as kind or understanding of each other as we should be, but - as a small group proved from March 20-21 - we also have the ability to bring out the best in each other and to be great influences on each other's lives.

I want to be part of the latter group. There is strength in numbers and we are often stronger than we think.

Look at me. I went from the (perceived) weakest girl in Labrador City to a woman who believes in her ability to protect herself from an attack. It was a change I never thought possible.

I think every woman - young and old - should take part in Wenlido Self-Defense Training. It's not only a course in practicality - it's a two-day program that makes women stronger in mind, body and heart.