Amputee 6th Dan Black Belt leads the Blind!
A North East man who knows all about disability first hand provided an insight into self defence for visually impaired people in the region recently. The event organised by the Royal National Institue for the Blind People was hosted at the Sunderland Stadium of Light on August 2nd 2014.
Blind and partially sighted people from across the area attended the event organised by regional co-ordinator Debbie Newman, after a recent similar successful event held in Bradford. Owen Murray M.B.E. of South Hylton, Sunderland kindly donated his time on the day to empower members of the R.N.I.B. with various self defence techniques.
Owen a 6th Dan Karate Black Belt runs his own self defence gym for people of all shapes, sizes and abilities. His YouTube channel and website regularly attracts hundreds of visitors each month.
Owen who has represented Great Britian in Karate during the 80's and 90's said "Everyone has the right to defend themselves whether they have a disability or not. I lost my hand in an industrial accident when I was only 21 and went on to achieve success in the sport of Karate even with the disadvantage of only having one hand". Owen now 63 was pleasantly surprised at how the visually impared people quickly picked up the training he delivered on the day. One lady, from Middlesbrough did reveal however that she too had represented her country at international level as a discuss thrower and shot putter! The day was a great success and Owen is encouraging people of all abilities to look into "adding to their toolbox" some of the possibly life saving techniques he has developed over many years.
Anyone wishing to learn more about self defence can visit Owen's YouTube channel or website www.selfdefencenortheast.co.uk or call him on 07930 418877 to book a free taster session.
