Disability & Self-Defence - Martial Artist Jim Turk

Joeita speaks to blind self-defence instructor and Brazilian Ju-jitsu practitioner Jim Turk about the relationship between martial arts and self-confidence for People with Disabilities.  

Highlights

• The Benefits of Self-Defence - Opening Remarks (00:00)
• Introducing Jim Turk, Martial Artist & Self-Defence Instructor (01:56)
• Practicing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (02:53)
• Learning Martial Arts as a Blind Student (04:22)
• Discovering Jiu-Jitsu (05:46)
• Appeal of Martial Arts During Vision Loss Journey (07:13)
• Building Confidence & Traveling Independently (09:05)
• Defending Yourself in Public (11:18)
• Techniques to Break Someone’s Grip (12:44)
• Teaching Sighted and Blind Students (14:20)
• Empowerment Through Martial Arts (16:17)
• Deciding to Teach (19:25)
• Mental Health Benefits (20:09)
• Class Size (21:53)
• Competitions & Belts (22:41)
• Teaching Sighted Students (23:47)
• Online Lessons (24:21)
• Fight Back Self Defense (25:20)
• Tips for the Blind Traveler (26:30)
• Show Close (28:33)

About Jim Turk & Fight Back Self Defense

"My name is Jim Turk. I am a self-defense instructor, and also happen to be completely blind. It is an unfortunate fact that criminals often target people who are perceived, for whatever reason, as "easy targets". The reasons for this perception could range from a person’s age, gender, physical size, or, as in my case, a noticeable disability. Regardless of the reason for this perception of vulnerability, assaults against people in these categories tend to be very similar in nature to one another. For this reason, the self-defense principles and techniques I teach are useful to a wide range of individuals, such as senior citizens, women, children, and those with disabilities. After I began losing my vision, I started becoming more interested in personal safety and self-defense. I have since earned my blue belt in the martial art Brazilian jiu-jitsu, and have received my certification as a coach in the OneTouch self-defense system, which was specifically designed for blind people.  The more I learn, the more I wanted to be able to share my knowledge with others, so I have started my own business teaching self-defense, called Fight Back. 

I am located in Villa Park, IL, and I am available to teach private lessons or group classes."

Contact Jim Turk for more info: [email protected]

More About Jim Turk

Self-Defense Instructor Jim Turk Receives 2019 Council Excellence Award

Check out the Pulse on YouTube!

About AMI

AMI is a media company that entertains, informs and empowers Canadians with disabilities through three broadcast services — AMI-tv and AMI-audio in English and AMI-télé in French — and streaming platform AMI+. Our vision is to establish AMI as a leader in the offering of accessible content, providing a voice for Canadians with disabilities through authentic storytelling, representation and positive portrayal. To learn more visit AMI.ca and AMItele.ca.

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