Moody women safer after self-defense class

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Jarrod Grammel
  • 23rd Wing Public Affairs
MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. --  Walking down a long, dark alley, many people get a little nervous. If confronted with a dangerous situation, many people cannot say with confidence that they know what to do to defend themselves.

The Health and Wellness Center at Moody sponsored a woman's self-defense class to help women 17 and older feel more confident in their ability to defend themselves during an aggressive situation.

"The purpose of these classes is to give women awareness for self protection," said Frances Elmore, 23rd Wing sexual assault response coordinator. "The class teaches women how to use their voice and natural responses to get out of aggressive situations.

"Most women freeze when they are confronted with an aggressive situation, and this course teaches them to react quickly by building confidence," she added. "They practice resistance strategies to become comfortable if the need arises."

The course consists of four classes, each three hours long, using classroom and physical instruction to teach women the skills they need to defend themselves.

Victoria Wood, 823rd Base Defense Squadron secretary, was a participant in the self-defense class.

"I signed up to be able to protect my daughter and myself when we travel," she said. "I think every woman should be able to defend themselves."

The HAWC hosts three courses a year, two for women and one for teens. The women's class filled 13 out of 16 maximum participants.

"We have gotten very positive feedback," said Ms. Elmore. "Every female participant thinks this class is important. We also have many women come back for a refresher. Some women even become certified instructors so when they move to a different base they can teach the course there."

During the third session of the class, the participants were satisfied and glad they signed up.

"It is a fun course and I would recommend it to any woman who is interested in learning how to protect themselves," said Mrs. Wood.

The HAWC holds three courses a year in hopes the knowledge provided will teach women and teens the skills they need to defend themselves.