A Dungannon man is offering free self-defence classes for women with the aim of helping them feel more confident and safe.
Steven McNutt is passionate about Muay Thai martial arts and has honed his skills training in specialised gyms across Ireland.
With four professional fights under his belt, Steven now wants to help local women know how to defend themselves if they ever found themselves in danger.
He told MyTyrone: "A friend of mine down in Tipperary, Courage Muay Thai, a gym I trained in when I was working down there, they are holding these classes in the wake of what happened to Ashling Murphy and there are a few other Muay Thai gyms in the South offering the classes as well, so it gave me the idea to do it up here as there isn't a big selection of martial arts gyms here, particularly around Dungannon."
After chatting with Movemint gym, based on Moy Road, Dungannon, Steven has now organised a series of classes for local women over the next few weeks.
"I got talking to Charlotte from Movemint gym and she thought it was a great idea. She herself said she has felt uncomfortable in situations and personally as a man you don't really think like that when you go out and about.
"I just want to show girls how to defend themselves. I don't want women to feel afraid. Through these classes if just one girl can get themselves out of danger, just enough to get away to get help then that's all I really want."
The 31-year-old who works as an electrician has built up his skills in the martial arts by training in various gyms across the country with some top professionals.
"I'm not interested in making money out of this, myself or the gym, we just want to help people out.
"I'm passionate about Muay Thai and I'm an electrician by trade and I travel the country working so I go to different Muay Thai gyms all over and I just want to be able to give back," he continued.
"I take it for granted because I've always taught my wee sister and my fiancé how to defend themselves, but unfortunately I know there are a lot of girls out there who wouldn't know what to do.
"Unfortunately there is a percentage of men out there who will prey on women and I just want women to have more confidence in their ability to defend themselves. I personally think something like this should be taught at school from a young age, added Steven.
You can sign up for the free classes which begin this Friday, January 21 by contacting Movemint gym via Instagram.
