Knowledge is power

Liz Butler. Photo by Kelly Carmody

STORY & PHOTOGRAPHY: KELLY CARMODY

YOUR PROTECTION IS IN YOUR HANDS, REGARDLESS OF YOUR AGE OR PHYSICAL ABILITY.

Liz Butler believes strongly that all women can and should be able to defend themselves.

A Women Empowered Gracie Jiu-Jitsu instructor, Liz is also a mother of three — her kids are Harrison, 14, Lillian, 12, and Ivy, 9.

Liz said after becoming a mother, she felt the urge to know how to protect herself for her children, and also felt an overwhelming desire to provide them with the same knowledge.

The Shepparton resident is no stranger to the Jiu-Jitsu world, with husband and fellow Gracie Jiu-Jitsu instructor, Scott, being her constant encouragement.

“I think it was inevitable that I would become an instructor with Scott’s martial arts passion stemming from a young age,” Liz said.

“Gracie Jiu-Jitsu is based on the techniques from Japanese Jiu-Jitsu, and the Women Empowered program addresses the most common and dangerous threats facing women.

“Teaching the practicality of being able to get away from a potential assault safely, without escalating the situation, could save a life.

“Each week I run a one-hour Women Empowered lesson that addresses standing and ground techniques that will enable women to use awareness, leverage and proper timing to escape from seemingly impossible situations.

“Self-defence begins with the belief that you are worth defending, and you are.”