Munich course teaches disabled children to defend themselves

A self-defence course at the Pfennigparade organisation in Munich is helping children and teenagers with disabilities learn how to respond to threats, BR reports. Studies cited in the report say they face a higher risk of exclusion and violence, particularly those with intellectual disabilities or visible physical impairments.

Instructor Miguel Munoz-Bauer teaches the Wing Chung self-defence technique at the Phoenix School in Oberföhring, a Munich district. He visits once a month and runs the course for pupils of all ages.

The children practise saying “stop” when a situation becomes threatening. Munoz-Bauer says people can freeze in an emergency, so it is important to remain adaptable and able to act.

For nine-year-old Frida, it is her first course of this kind. She is learning to adopt a defensive stance and speak loudly if she feels threatened. The course began last winter, and school head Hanna Antemann says she is already seeing changes. Some pupils, for example, are sitting more upright in their wheelchairs, with their shoulders back and hands raised.

The course also teaches pupils to seek help. Beate Höß-Zenker of Pfennigparade says the confidence they gain could encourage them later to pursue vocational training or live independently.