Self-defence classes SURGE in Germany following spate of migrant sex attacks
SELF-DEFENCE classes have surged in popularity following an influx of migrants travelling into Germany.
Self-defence lessons are on the rise as women fight back against recent sex attacks in Germany
Trainers say they have seen a rise in the number of people asking to be taught martial arts, with many classes now fully booked and waiting lists of people wanting to learn how to defend themselves.
Coach Raphael Wildemann, who teaches Krav Maga, a fighting sport that originally came from the Israeli Army, said he has seen a surge particularly in female participants.
He said: "I call this the 9/11 effect. One of the reasons for more interest is because people have the feeling of not being able to freely move in public space."
Shocking footage released of Cologne New Year sex attacks
A Krav Maga instructor said people are afraid to go out
One of the reasons for more interest is because people have the feeling of not being able to freely move in public space
He added that people are also afraid after a number of vicious attacks were reported around the country including the attacks in Cologne at New Year, a brutal rape and murder in Freiburg which was allegedly carried out by a migrant, as well as crimes where women have been pushed down stairs and escalators at train and tube stations.
He said that in Stuttgart, the capital of south-western Germany's Baden-Wuerttemberg state, course numbers have doubled.
And in Mannheim, a city in the south-western part of Germany, they have even tripled.
Campaigners have been calling for more public video surveillance following the recent events
The recent crimes have also triggered the question as to whether more video surveillance is required in public spaces.
Campaigners say video surveillance has proved effective in hunting the perpetrators, while the absence of recordings in certain cases has led to difficulties in finding the attackers.
Hans-Peter Friedrich, the Federal Minister of the Interior said: "We need efficient video surveillance and video recording in public places and railway stations."