Sarah Draht demonstrates a self-defence manoeuvre with volunteer Justin Aujla-Fieldt. Draht will be teaching a women's self-defence workshop in exchange for donations to the Kelowna Women's Shelter on Jan. 12 from 3-5 p.m. at Gracie Barra Kelowna.

Sarah Draht knows what it's like being attacked and now she wants to teach other women how to protect themselves.
Draht is the head women's instructor of Gracie Barra Kelowna, a Brazilian jiu-jitsu gym, and will be teaching a free self-defence workshop Jan. 12 in Kelowna. In exchange for the free class, donations are being accepted for the Kelowna Women's Shelter.
"We're teaching women what to do in the most common assaults, like if someone grabs your hair, to the most escalated assaults, like if someone is gauging your eyeballs."
Draht has eight years experience and says she's used the techniques she's learned in Brazilian jiu-jitsu to protect herself on many occasions.
"I've used the techniques while doing security," she said. "It's not about size or strength, it's about techniques and leverage."
Gracie Barra is one of the largest and most traditional Brazilian jiu-jitsu organizations in the world. Founded in 1986, it now has more than 300 schools worldwide.
"I've taught from Vernon to Vancouver and women love it. You can teach a lot in two hours and they leave feeling better than when they came in," she said.
The class takes place Saturday from 3 to 5 p.m. at Gracie Barra Kelowna, 105, 151 Commercial Dr. in Rutland. Donations, such as shampoo and non-perishable items, for the women's shelter are being accepted.
For more info, visit graciebarrakelowna.ca or call Draht at 250-307-6667.