The Corrections Academy has started running its own Hapkido classes starting with the first batch of 20 trainees beginning a two-week basic skills course this week. 

Academy commandant, Mr Jona Nawaqavou says that the intent is to have all officers of the Fiji Prisons and Corrections Service to under go Hapkido training. Hapakido is an ancient eatern martial art of self defence. 

ASP Nawaqavou says that though the course is only for two weeks, the huge benefits to officers in carrying our their containment role makes it necessary to teach the basic skills. 

“The trainees will learn the basic of the 200 plus techniques,” he said, “the need to get staff members to grasp the basic techniques of Hapkido can never be over emphasised.” 

Previously corrections officers have been undergoing Hapkido training at the RFMF’s Queen Elizabeth Barrack. The course is being conducted by three trainers who had undergone a six-month Hapkido training under the Warrant Officer Class One Uluilakeba of the RFMF. 

Mr Nawaqavou says that two of the eight instructors who undertook the first six-month course has so impressed the RFMF instructors that they were asked to stay on while the remaining six officers returned to their posting at the FPCS. The second batch of six-month trainees are also undergoing training at the RFMF. 

www.corrections.org.fj