A BLIND instructor will deliver a self-defence course for visually-impaired people in the region next month.

David Black, who has been blind since his teens, has been studying martial arts for a decade now and will deliver the course at Forth Valley Sensory Centre in partnership with the Scottish Centre for Personal Safety.

It was developed by Alan Bell specifically for visually-impaired people and those with no self-defence or martial arts experience.

David explained: “No-one should walk down the street afraid of being attacked or worse, stay indoors or put off journeys because they are worried.

“Attendees to date have all said that the course has given them new skills and the confidence to go out more and maintain their independence.

“I have trained in a number of ‘blind-friendly’ martial arts having been attacked myself on a number of occasions.

“However, in the real world, all the fancy moves go out of the window and you need simple techniques to create space, attract attention or simply get away.

“In that respect, I have found there are no really ‘blind-friendly’ martial arts, but what you can do is have a go at a variety of things and find something that works for you.

“This course, developed by Alan, lets people try lots of different elements of self-defence so there really is something for everyone.”

During the eight-week programme, there will be a range of tips and advice on how to react to a number of situations. It will include conflict management, finding a non-violent way out of a situation.

But people will also learn what to do if that is not possible and things escalate.

It costs £20 for the full course, email sensory@forthvalleysensorycentre.org or call 01324 590 888 to book.