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Self-defense lessons for teens and women
(by Sean Lehosit, Westside Editor - September 06, 2011)
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Photo courtesy IMPACT Safety/LifeCare Alliance
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Students learn to manage the feelings of panic and adrenaline during an IMPACT Safety class. They are taught to use the context of the situation and the skills learned by instructors to defend their physical and emotional selves.
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When attacked by physical or emotional threats, the body experiences a rush of adrenaline, a chemical reaction that IMPACT Safety teaches women to manage in any given situation.
“We teach people how to defend themselves verbally, emotionally and physically,” Director Julie Harmon said, adding the self-defense technique is in context to who the perpetrator is, whether a boyfriend, stranger or other person.
IMPACT Safety is one of LifeCare Alliance’s newest merger partners and has been teaching interpersonal safety skills for about 18 years. They have designed their courses for a wide demographic ranging from women, to seniors and to professionals in the workplace.
“What they learn in IMPACT Safety will give them the confidence they will need,” said Michelle Jones, communications director for LifeCare Alliance.
Classes are taught by a certified IMPACT Safety instructor who acquired their license through an international organization and after more than 100 hours of training. The instructors play two roles in every course, one as the perpetrator while the other demonstrates the skills needed to escape the situation.
“Self-defense is a decision you make anytime you want to keep yourself physically and emotionally safe,” Harmon said.
In addition to instruction for adults 18 and older, IMPACT Safety offers similar courses for teenagers ages 14-17.
What differs from the two classes, Harmon said, is the approach. Teenagers have different boundaries, self-awareness and interests than their adult counterparts.
“All those things are somewhat different for this age group,” Harmon said. “(Teens) tend to make decisions in packs.”
Jones said she looks forward to the public seizing the opportunities to learn the skills provided by IMPACT Safety instructors, so that they can be confident and not be preyed upon or victimized, either emotionally or physically.
According to Harmon, the classes are fully comprehensive and deal with the physical and emotional components of self-defense.
IMPACT Safety will host an adult class Sept. 23 from 6-10 p.m. and a for ages 14-17 on Oct. 2 from noon-4 p.m. Both will be held at the LifeCare Alliance facility, 1699 W. Mound St. Parking is free and registration is $45.
For information call 278-3130 or visit www.impactsafety.org.
Franklinton raises awareness
The Franklinton Safety Task Force is demonstrating women’s self-defense tactics during their next meeting on Nov. 2 from 6:30-8 p.m. at the Franklinton Public Library, 1061 W. Town St.
According to Rebecca Hunley, the demonstration will be performed by Columbus Police Officer Kelly Shay and it will be used to gauge future interest for classes being offered to the community.
Hunley said the goal is to change current attitudes towards women and provide instruction on what to do when confronted or accosted.
“Women freak out. When we raise girls we don’t teach them combat, they’re raised to be sitting ducks,” Hunley said.
The safety task force is trying to spread the message that women have to feel safe or the community has to make it safe, Hunley said.
For information on the self-defense demonstration or future opportunities in Franklinton email Hunley at rahunley@gmail.com.
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