A Vancouver martial arts academy is training more women to prioritize their safety these days, following a spike in concerns after the recent disappearance of two local women.
Elements Academy's Mysha Dewar-McClelland says, "Over the past couple of months we've definitely seen a higher number of emails about where and how people can learn self-defence, and the majority of them are coming from women or parents for their daughters."
The academy offers a range of recognized martial arts for youth and adults of any gender. The aim of Elements Academy of Martial Arts is to build a supportive and inclusive community where people can pursue technical training in a safe and respectful environment.
The group has had to modify classes during the pandemic by moving to outdoor, private, and online sessions.