Self-defense class teaches skills to counter assault

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Jonathan Stefanko
  • 7th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Several women from Dyess came together to attend a self-defense class April 18, to learn techniques to use in a hostile situation.

The goal of the course was to teach individuals with no martial arts experience basic self-defense moves and how to fight back in case of an attack.

The two-hour instruction included tips on how to avoid becoming a victim and lessons on how to temporarily subdue an aggressor if attacked.

"I hope that I will never have to use what I learned here today, but because of the instructors, I am confident in my ability to defend myself," said Senior Airman Ashley Hawkins, 7th Communications Squadron. "I advise everyone to attend a self-defense course, it's better to have the knowledge and not need it, than need it and not know how to defend yourself."

Individuals partaking in the class were exposed to multiple scenarios where they were attacked in a controlled environment, giving the participants the chance to practice their new skills.

The class was led by Chip Townsend, a local Tae Kwon Do instructor who has practiced martial arts since the age of 13.

"My intent today is to empower the ladies on base to feel good about who they are and show them how to take control in a hostile situation," said Townsend. "Hopefully that feeling and knowledge gets passed on to their co-workers, families and kids, creating a sense of empowerment and confidence."

According to the U.S. Department of Justice, an average of 207,754 victims, ages 12 or older, are raped and sexual assaulted each year.

"Many times, an assault occurs because the person is not aware of their surroundings," Townsend added. "They are preoccupied with things like car keys, cell phones or lost in their own thoughts and do not pay attention to what is going on. Most people who would attack someone don't go for the person who looks alert; they go for the one who isn't paying attention."

For more information on attending a woman's self-defense course, call the Fitness Center at (325) 696-4306.