Chang trains to stop gender-based violence through karate

Karate instructor Danielle Chang aims to use her knowledge gained at the World Karate Federation (WKF) to help combat abuse, which many women face, especially with an increase in gender-based violence across the world.

Chang, who represented Jamaica Karate, at the WKF Guardian Girls Instructor Training Course, in Madrid, Spain, this week, said she hopes to impact women's lives with the lessons learned from the experience.

"I hope to gain more knowledge in self-defence, being that the World Karate Federation is an important body and is accredited to the Olympics diploma will certify me to represent them in Jamaica, and I will be able to train Jamaicans in various karate forms," she said.

With more than 20 years of experience in karate, Chang has been working with Commonwealth karate bronze medallist Valentyna Zolotarova and karate instructor Nicole Hazle to determine how Jamaica's federation can maximise the positive impact of karate on the lives of young girls and women in Jamaica.

Chang said that while she is involved in karate competently, she doesn't want to share her knowledge with, not only athletes and coaches, but also women of the general public as this may help to save their lives.

"These times where violence is so prevalent, not only in Jamaica but in the world, this particular project is training black belts from different countries, so I'm here with women from various countries.

"It's really to train us as instructors to spread women empowerment. This enables women to protect themselves, be more self-confident, and have more self-esteem so they won't be targeted. If they happen to find themselves in a certain situation they will be able to defend themselves, and not only in self-defence but in life," Chang said.

President of Jamaica Karate, Tony Robinson, said he expects an impact from the knowledge he hopes Chang will gain.

"We take gender-based violence seriously, and we are in full support of the development of our women's programme set to roll out in 2024.

"Upon her return from Spain, Danielle Chang will share her knowledge in our collective efforts to support women's leadership and enable karate to be an instrument of safety and confidence for our women while aiming to raise women's participation in karate islandwide," Robinson said.

Jamaica Karate said it is thankful to the World Karate Federation, President Antonio Espinos, and the Jamaica Olympic Association for this incredible opportunity.