Karate exponent Edmond Otis holds a free class for the public every 6-12 months. Photo / file
Karate exponent Edmond Otis holds a free class for the public every 6-12 months. Photo / file
Recent reports of indecent assaults said to have happened on the streets of Napier are expected to lead to a surge in the numbers at a self-defence class being run on Monday by EIT sports psychology lecturer and former United States national karate coach Edmond Otis.
Mr Otis, who haslived in Napier about eight years, has about half-a-century of karate experience and runs the Shotokan Karate Club in Hawke's Bay, said he had barely announced the date of the free class he runs for the public every 6-12 months when reports of street incidents started being made public.
Some were in the Napier hills area where he lives, within 1km of the St Paul's Church Hall where the class starts at 6pm on Monday.
Immediately emails suggested increased interest, including from neighbours unaware of the expertise available so close at hand.
He said the class generally attracted about 15 people, mainly female and over the age of 14, and while he expected more on Monday night he expected he would cope and not need to turn anyone away.
