Self-Defense/Self-Care Class Raises $1100 for Youth Development United
Over 35 women and girls came together for an informative self-defense and self-care class at Swarthmore's Park Avenue Community Center on Saturday, January 21st.
Instructor Fred Grant taught a variety of proven techniques to avoid becoming a victim and to fight off an attacker if necessary.
His tips included:
If you ever have to try to hurt someone that is trying to do you harm, go full force, not halfway. Go hard for the groin, knee or ankle to eliminate their ability to easily chase you as you run away.
Remember that your legs are longer than your arms - and more powerful, too (unless you’ve done a lot of upper body training.) Make it your first instinct to kick in self-defense.
When kicking an assailant’s leg, try to turn your foot out and make contact using your arch rather than your toe. The leg is a narrow target; this technique increases your surface area and your likelihood of making contact.
If someone grabs you, pulling away is predictable and can waste your energy. Instead, run toward them and then use your fist to knock as hard as possible on the small bones at the top of the hand that holds you. The assailant will likely release his grip, surprised by the concentrated pain.
In an intimidating situation, check your body for ways to reserve your strength so that you can fight back if needed. For example, don’t stiffen your arms or pull up your shoulders as this tires out your muscles.
Someone in the class asked about pepper spray and other self-defense products. Fred pointed out that sprays have expiration dates, after which they may not be effective and can produce a false sense of security. He also explained that many such products won’t have enough effect to deter an assailant, especially if they are deployed in an emergency situation without previous experience or much training.
Fred strongly recommends regularly practicing specific effective moves at home. He teaches extended self-defense classes, including ones for women dressed in business attire so that they can learn how to use high heels and other accessories in their self-defense efforts. Fred can be reached at 610-247-7325 if anyone wants to learn more from him.
After the self-defense training, Chester resident Michelle Jackson hosted a self-care session, with free treatments for participants’ hands and lips. The indulgent but affordable products she recommended can be explored at https://www.marykay.com/m2rae
At the close of the session, the women and girls in attendance enjoyed some refreshments including Girl Scout cookies donated by attendee Sophie Jackson. Her online store can be accessed for another few weeks, so order while you can!
The self-defense and self-care event was held as a fundraiser for Youth Development United. Participants included a mix of YDU families and other Delaware County women. Over $1100 was raised and donations are still being accepted at https://donorbox.org/self-defense. Proceeds will be used to conduct similar classes in Chester.
