AAPI Self Defense

A new report from the Center for the Study of Hate and Extremism at California State stated that Vancouver saw more reported anti-Asian hate crimes in 2020 than any other city in North America. In fact, anti-Asian hate crimes have surged overall in Vancouver by 97% in the last year - largely due to people and the media wrongly placing blame on Asian people for the outbreak of COVID-19 or “The Chinese Virus” (as coined by Trump).

In response, organizers and fellow Asians Vanessa Takeshi and Jocelyn Wong have taken their pain and feelings of confusion and worked to complete a free series of videos called the “No-Nonsense” AAPI Self Defense Workshop Series. Self defense won’t end racism, but it can surely reduce harm during a time of great complexity and trauma.

Vanessa is a former Muay Thai gold medalist and current personal trainer. The series of videos we’re offering are accessible via YouTube private links, though we’ll ask for participants to sign up for the links via Google form. This service does not require any special equipment and can be watched based on the user’s pace. The videos were made entirely from home, on our own time. We specifically wanted to make these videos with elders and non able-bodied folks in mind.

Vanessa’s knowledge as a student pursuing law helps provide accurate information on self defense laws in Canada. Ultimately, we wanted to ensure that victims felt empowered and ready to report any violence they may encounter. More so than encouraging harm, we emphasize in our workshops the importance of preventative measures.

Check out our Instagram account () for more information and sign up for the videos here:

https://forms.gle/PARNSUVJiT9kChpb9

AAPI Self Defense updated their website address.