A local karate and kinesiology specialist has been hosting a weekly self-defense class on Cortes Island and donating the proceeds back to the community.

Kaitlin Garratt runs "Fierce and Fluid," which she describes as an "empowered self defense class," blending cardio kickboxing, karate, and "foundational energy principles to help you embody your core power and learn to deliver it with grace to the world."

Garratt is a black belt in karate and was a Canadian national team fighter for eight years. She also completed her degree in kinesiology at UBC with specialty as an Exercise Physiologist and studied and taught yoga for 15 years.

Garratt stated in an interview with CKTZ that her clients at Mansons Hall are mostly women but the class is open to everyone.

"A lot of people, and especially women, throughout their lives have felt unsafe or had moments where they abandon themselves or were taken advantage of, and this can be really life-changing for someone. There's a beautiful value system that is steeped in the traditions in karate, and I weave that into the self-defense aspect to encourage individuals to feel like they can express their boundaries more honestly and more powerfully." Garratt said.

Garratt is donating the proceeds from her class to the Southern Cortes Community Association (SCCA) to help support the programming that they organize for the community.

Fierce and Fluid is at Mansons Hall from 7-8:30 p.m. every Monday with a $5 dollar drop in fee for SCCA members.

Listen below for more details on Kaitlin Garratt's teachings on CKTZ Radio: