How to protect yourself in a threatening situation

At CN&CO we like to punch above our weight (as our friends at CResults Digital Fitness Boxing will attest). On 15 May 2024, the team attended a personal safety workshop with Mark Grobbelaar of the INPowered Group where we threw even more punches! This time we did it in the name of personal safety, rather than in an effort to maintain our gorgeous physiques.

Mark is no stranger to CN&CO. In 2021 we ran a series of blogs that provided some insights and tips on personal safety. He was even featured in an InkLink blog not too long ago.

His opening statement was, “This is not a self-defence course. Rather, it’s designed to teach you how to protect yourself in an uncomfortable or dangerous situation – even if it means simply walking away.”

Mark went through the definitions of “fight, flight or freeze”, using real life examples to demonstrate how people react differently when they feel under threat. He taught the team how to throw a punch confidently – “but only when you absolutely have to!” – before handing each person a solid wood plank… which every one of us punched right through! (Check the video at the end.)

“I absolutely loved the session,” says Stella Carter. “Mark put things into perspective around what to do in these situations. But he also gave me a choice I never realised I had. It’s a stark reality we face, not just in SA but it the world.

“There are threats to your safety every day. Knowing I have choices in these situations changes things for me. First priority, get to safety… but if that choice is taken away, I have an option that could possibly save me. 

“Breaking that board was surprising and exhilarating. I felt like a total badass and am more capable than I realise! I’ll definitely hold this session close to me  ♥️.” 

Penny Hickinbotham was undoubtedly the star performer of the evening.

“I was a bit reluctant to join because I recently had knee surgery, but Colin convinced me and I am so glad!” she says. “Punching through the board was a terrifying yet exciting experience. I never believed I could do something like this. Thanks, Mark, for showing me that I can!”

Colin Ford says the workshop was uncomfortable at times “… but it’s supposed to be.

“Mark spoke very frankly about a number of topics that are generally not discussed at the dinner table – but that’s not to say they can’t happen to you. After doing the INPowered course I feel more enabled to protect myself if the need arises.

“Punching through the board was definitely an adrenaline rush and something I will remember for a long time.”

Kurt Solomon says he was happy to learn something new.

“What Mark teaches is very different from the boxing I’m used to doing in the gym,” he says. “It took me a while to ‘punch’ rather than ‘box’, but once I had mastered the motion it was easy – and very satisfying – to break through the board.

“I think everyone should do this training as it really is very liberating. It’s good to know how to protect yourself in a hostile situation.”

The CN&CO team was joined by two special guests – Colin’s partner Gregory Gomes, and our dear friend Clodagh da Paixao from Mulberry Marketing.

Says Gregory, “I found the session very interesting as well as fun. The technique Mark taught us makes sense, although it’s something I would never have thought of. He is energetic and engaging and gets his message across in a very straightforward way.”

Clodagh says she thoroughly enjoyed the session.

“Mark’s presentation and practical application work gave us food for thought,” she says. “Particularly insightful was the comment he made regarding personal risks, and how they might increase if you find yourself moving on to a second location in a ‘dangerous’ situation.

“He says always to trust your sixth sense and walk away from a threatening situation if you can. However, if you do find that you are in a compromised position, the punching technique that Mark showed us was particularly empowering.”

Mark does a lot of work with corporates and schools.

“We have trained tens of thousands of people, from teenagers to pensioners,” he says. “Everyone’s story is unique, but they all take a sense of confidence away with them after doing the course – and some a lot more!”

INPowered trains large and small groups, men and women, professionals, students, general workers and anyone else who has an interest in their personal safety. Contact mark@inpowered.co.za for more information.