Free self-defence classes offered at Alexandra Hills

Offered by the Kodomon Foundation, formed by the Kodomon Martial Arts Club, Tough Choices will provide a civilian version of self-defence training provided to soldiers on overseas deployments.

The program is facilitated by Kodomon Martial Arts chief instructor Glenn Irvine who is a former Australian Karate Federation state coaching director and civilian programs director of the Defence Force's Close Combat program Kinetic Fighting.

"Tough Choices is an initiative we have wanted to bring to the community for a long time," Mr Irvine said.

"We know there are a great number of people in occupations where risk is significant and there are a number of people who could use these skills who can't afford training courses.

"This is our way of giving back to the local community."

Mr Irvine said the program was open to anyone over 12 years old but was targeted at people who were at a greater occupational risk of violence like hospital and ambulance staff, mobile workers and social workers, as well as domestic violence survivors.

"It runs for a month on Saturday mornings for an hour and walks participants through the methods and skills required to survive these violent encounters," he said.

"No prior experience or fitness level is required."

The program is sponsored by the Australian Defence Force's Kinetic Fighting program and Redland City Council.

For information and to register for the course starting on June 1, visit toughchoices.org.au or phone Mr Irvine on 0405 010 999.

See what else is on in the Redlands here.