Lithgow's Steve Saville traveled to India to teach women self-defence

Being Saville's second time to India in the past eight years, it was his mission to help spread awareness about preventing violence against women with the help of several other Budo Ryu Karate Academy members.

"We taught over 3000 students from Kerala in Southern India, right up to Jammu in the North.

"We focused on self-defence, with attacks being more prominent than ever," he said.

He said people were given the opportunity to come and train in a safe environment, to make them aware they didn't need to become victims.

"These people have a right to defend themselves and say enough is enough.

"Some women in the beginning were shy and timid, but they walked away with self-confidence and a voice to be heard," he said.

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Saville said it was a trip like he had never seen before.

"There is no greater pleasure I have in passing on what I have learnt that can possibly save a human life or protect one, it is an experience that will stay with me forever," he said.

Since arriving back in Australia Saville has been busy incorporating his new found knowledge into his Budo Ryu Kempo classes in Lithgow.

"I instruct classes starting from ages four and upwards in the LINC building, where I also work as a disability support worker," he said.

Saville urged anyone wanting to learn self-defence and traditional martial arts to come down to LINC on a Monday night from 6.30pm.

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