A MARTIAL arts instructor from Cam is offering a free six-week self defence course following recent reports of assaults in the area.

Richard Olpin, of Cam, who runs the Ilyokwan Black Belt Academy in Cam Everlands School, began offering the course after he was contacted by concerned local residents.

Just last week Gloucestershire Police revealed that three people, including a 15-year-old boy, were assaulted following a burglary and car theft in September.

“I’ve been contacted recently by a few people worried about self defence following reports of attacks in the local area and so I’d like to give something back to the community,” said Richard.

“If it helps even one person to gain a bit of confidence or feel a little safer then it was worth it.”

Richard, 46, has been training in the martial arts for more than 30 years.

He has trained in a number of martial arts, but primarily in Taekwondo, which is the Korean version of Karate. He holds a sixth degree black belt in Taekwondo, making him one of the highest ranked instructors in the country.

Richard continued: “I have trained in traditional martial arts for all my adult life, and for the majority of that time I have specialised in self protection, and personal development.

“Most of my own personal training these days is with specialist military and security operatives.”

After hearing the concerns of local people following the recent assault, Richard realised he could use his skills to help boost people’s confidence.

“Thankfully incidents of violence against private individuals are still quite rare, but of course they do happen, and when they occur in a small rural area such as ours it is especially shocking.

“Often I get calls from people who are concerned about their safety and want to learn self-defence following a report about an incident they’ve seen in the paper.

“What I focus on first is self protection. It’s really not about ‘fighting’ but about building your confidence and self-belief first, and then ensuring you practice some basic skills which anyone can use if needed as a last resort.

Think about it how many times the school bully pick on the confident, self-assured individuals. I consider it a service to the community to help build people’s confidence.”

The free self defence course begins on Monday, October 12, at 6.45pm in Cam Everlands School.

To book a place or more information visit blackbeltacademy.info or call Richard on 01453 549460.