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Self-Defense Class
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An Introduction to Self-Defense for Women.

Throughout the ages people have found it necessary to defend themselves against strangers, as well as acquaintances, for various reasons. Greed, drugs, and the decline of moral values have made crimes more prevalent in the world. The news is full of all types of crime and it is not just on the street anymore it is in our schools, our work place, and our homes. When trouble arises, it is normally when you are alone and without protection. Our police agencies, effective and outstanding as they are, cannot be everywhere at once. Troublemakers chose a time and place to attack that is good for them and not for you. More than ever before people are finding it necessary to defend themselves and a gun is not always the answer.

According to statistics:

* More than fifty percent of all women will experience physical violence in intimate relationships. For about 25% of them the battering will be ongoing.
* Children are present in at least 41% of homes where police intervene in domestic violence.
* One in three teenage girls report physical violence from their date.
* 21-30% of college students report at least one occurrence of physical assault with a dating partner.
* In national surveys, approximately 25% of U.S. couples report at least one incident of physical aggression between them during the course of their relationship.
* Over 70% of all attacks on women are by someone that they know.

The picture drawn by these statistics is one in which there is typically some sort of emotional connection between the victim and the assailant. It suggests that assault is a complicated issue. Therefore, carrying a gun and using deadly force is not a desired alternative to defense.

Women have been successfully defending themselves for centuries using combinations of verbal and physical strategies. Women are usually assaulted by men they know, who are significantly older than they are. All those who successfully avoided being molested used a combination of both verbal and physical strategies.

In our class, we will explore everyday safety tips by learning

* To recognize "stranger danger” vs. “acquaintance danger”. * To defend yourself verbally and with body language. * To avoid situations without the use of violence. * To react to threats and violent situations. * Skills to recognize and defend against assaults committed by a trusted friend, neighbor or intimate partner. * Awareness and assertiveness skills.

Additionally, classes will consist of learning typical plans and tactics of attackers. In response you will learn how to block, kick, and strike effectively. You will learn how to break holds and turn a potential threat into a winning situation.

In return you will gain confidence in your ability to better defend yourself and your family.

The Instructor:

Jerry Hughey, a 5th degree black belt in Wado-Ryu karate, has taught self-defense in Pulaski and Ardmore for 23 years. He studied under the late Cecil Patterson who started the Wado-Ryu Federation in the U.S. and as an agent for the TBI he wrote their self-defense manual. Married to Melinda Hughey, they have two sons Josh and Jake.

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