No! Stop! Don't!

There is a group of 18 intellectually challenged adults who have given me a great sense of purpose and many a laugh over the last few years – not to mention immunity to human gas! If only they knew how much of an impact they have on me.

Down at Fort Stream*, Mrs F and I have tried to impart some very basic self defence skills, aiming to keep it fun and interactive. Preventing some of the 18 students from sitting down (some of them are heavy and hard to get back up,) or having a toilet break every 5 minutes, can be a challenge. Most days we have them focused and ready for a bout with Rocky Balboa. You can hear intermittent screams of: “No! Stop! Don't!” Or their variation “Get off me you twit!”

A week ago we were told that the ‘powers that be’ had cut the program because students had to move on to other activities and they didn’t have the ‘numbers’ any more. Apparently ten-pin bowling and meditation also got the axe. The new electives are predominantly stationary ones and while being fun are not about being active and teaching you one of the greatest gifts – the gift of self defence.

It was a two hour commitment that, after a quarter tank of petrol, our pay left enough for a coffee and cake. We did it because it felt great to empower these (often) marginalised adults. These adults, I was slightly apprehensive about meeting when I first started, became characters I respect and admire.

There’s Garry, a face full of freckles and a grin ear to ear that pumps out his push-ups. Jane who has a quick wit, and even once, a ‘spit’ (luckily I wasn’t the recipient.) Barb sweats profusely with her five sit-ups, but gives her all. Ella has a mean stomp that wouldn’t kill a butterfly, but has so much cheeky intent it makes me smile. Nick is immaculately dressed and is a true gentleman who loves using his elbows. Carol likes to waffle on about any ‘life lesson’ she has learnt, but when she cried after receiving a certificate, saying: “I am so happy,” I almost cried too. Tom can be irritating with his counting but he enjoys learning and is no trouble. If Ray has had her “happy pills” she is in great form but if she is unsettled, she’s like a bull ready to charge and don’t mention her hair whatever you do. Antonio just smiles but maybe he is learning something. Katie loves a cuddle and for you to “wait”. Tracey kicks with power and giggles when she ‘drops one’. Angela is so proud of herself when she grasps a skill. Patricia, in her 'jewels', has excellent retention. Paddy is a great ball of energy with the loudest: No! Stop! Don't!” Julie likes you to move her arms and legs for her. Marg is the oldest but one of the most committed and very tough mentally. Mark is a character who loves to wear costumes and doesn’t mind a bit of close contact with the ladies (especially Mrs F and I). I saved Sara for last because she is the one I am saddest for – she greets us at the door each week, boosts our ego 10-20 times a lesson from “I love your earrings” to “you are the best instructors ever”. She’s even going to ask for some boxing gloves for Christmas. I will genuinely miss Sara.

I have to mention the staff as well. Don’t worry there are only three key ones. There’s Barbie who is incredibly supportive of the program and very involved in the teaching. I am disappointed I didn’t have a camera when she wore her Lycra leotard as a joke. Rob keeps everything light and loves to joke and toughen up the students, but does a good job at getting everyone involved. Then there’s Greg who rarely misses a class, knows every student’s strengths and weaknesses and has such a gentle approach.

Some staff members say they will fight (another pun) to bring it back next year but I have already been lucky enough to have had this experience and see the joy when a “Student of the Week” gets to take a lap of honour.

If every student remembers to keep their hands up and walk away from taunts  – our lessons will not be in vain. I was “roughed up” (backpacking 1996,) and I'm passionate about preparing everyone for the improbable. It probably won’t happen, but if it does - fight back and scream: “No! Stop! Don't!”

PS We were given a beautiful card and bunch of Snapdragons at our last class – very touching!

*Fort Stream (where I taught self-defence skills,) is an alias for a not-for-profit organisation that provides services and teaches life skills to intellectually disabled adults. All the names of the students have been changed to protect their identity.