Kars...and Women's Empowerment with Kadın Öz Savunma Akademisi

I was really looking forward to the trip to Kars as it is a beautiful city with a rich history. Unfortunately, due to the pandemic that has not been possible.

In any event, this weekend, together with Kadın Öz Savunma Akademisi, we are hosted an online webinar.

This was the first time, I was attempting to teach physical self defense with no contact, and with the additional limitation of having no partner. Supplemental videos are in the works, but as of this weekend, it was an effort to do the best I could with the available resources.

Now, after the second day of the total 12 hour seminar or webinar is complete, I will add more details as promised.

It is nice to see that energy can still be found, and that group participation even in an online setting, can still be a gathering place, and a place where women can feel safe and come together, getting to know each other and learning about how to be stronger and empowered women.

This project has always been of great personal interest to me, and I hope that we will be able to soon get past the social distancing restrictions, and can reach more women, all over Turkey, both online, and in person. This weekend was proof to me, that regardless of the technological difficulties, even online this information regarding Women's Empowerment is beneficial and effective. That includes, even the most difficult aspect for me, in particular, the physical aspect.

It was motivating to see participants getting of their chairs and trying in their individual spaces. As an instructor, not being able to physically correct offers a disadvantage, but I was able to take moments and look at participants screens to offer some corrective advice. Also, due to wireless and Internet connections, sometimes my voice or visual would go, and once on the second day, I had to reconnect.

There were definitely bumps in the road. As an instructor, I learned as much as anyone who participated, but in a totally different way. I feel empowered....also challenged. :) Challenged to bring more, and bring more I shall.

Again many thanks to İdil, Esra, Cemre, Leyla and all the ladies of Kadın Öz Savunma who made the 'Empowering Together' Project a reality, and an ever continuing and evolving success ONLINE! :)

#birliktegüçleniyoruz #kadınözsavunmaakademisi #sijemaya #womensselfdefense #kadınlarözsavunma #selfdefense #empowermentselfdefense