A stunt woman trained in karate is teaching self-defence to women and girls in Peckham Rye Park, Dulwich Park and Blythe Hill Fields.
Holly Russo, a 34-year-old trainee stunt woman and personal trainer from Lewisham, started sessions a year ago after a spate of attacks on women in Wood Vale, in June 2021.
As reported by the News, the horrifying encounters saw women threatened with knives and strangled, in front of the victim’s ten-year-old son in one case.
Holly, whose stuntman training includes swimming, karate, rally driving and rock climing, said: “People were talking about it and were quite nervous about it and wanted tips on what to do if someone grabs them by the throat.
“People started saying I should run self-defence classes. When I did them, I had such positive feedback from them it made me think this is something I could tap into.
“It’s a double edged sword because in a way it’s great that people want to get the confidence but it’s sad that people feel like they have to.”
Holly, who has appeared in ITV drama series ‘Harlot’ and Sky’s ‘Bulletproof’ said, growing up in Lewisham, harassment was common.
“When I was younger being touched up and grabbed was the norm. Being harassed on the bus and while wearing your school uniform – you didn’t talk about it because it was part of the parcel of life”, she said.
“I train a 15-year-old and I always say to her not to tolerate harassment. While training her once a guy on a bicycle was perving on her and I switched a little a bit and started cussing him out because I remember what it was like at that age. You feel very self-conscious and to have grown men giving you looks makes them really uncomfortable.”
Holly tells her trainees that, in a dangerous scenario, the priority should be to get out of the situation.
She said: “I’d rather people didn’t try and be Bruce Lee and try and beat people to a pulp. Get into safety, get help.
“But if somebody is going for your neck, you go for their pressure points. No matter how big they are, we all have the same pressure points like eyes or throat.”
Holly welcomes people of all ages and genders. “I never want men to feel they can’t join. My little brother was mugged and punched in the face once. Everyone is welcome”, she said.
She also made clear that she does not condone unwarranted violence or carrying weapons.
Holly has now released her June to July class timetable. Sessions are £8.14 each.
Session Timetable: https://www.eventbrite.ca/o/russos-personal-training-34309463769
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/Russosselfdefence