Classes teach self defense

MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho -- (Left) Jenna Thompson tries to escape from Brian Dalpez, a Kuk Sool Won martial arts students, during a self-defense class at the base fitness center April 29. The classes, which were held throughout April for adults and on April 29 for teenagers, were sponsored by the base's sexual assault response coordinator, or SARC, office and were part of the base's sexual assault awareness month. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Samantha S. Crane)

Classes teach self defense

MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho -- (Left) Cydney Viall breaks a board held by Michael Poulin, 366th Civil Engineer draftsman and Kuk Sool Won martial arts teacher, during a self-defense class at the base fitness center April 29. The classes, which were held throughout April for adults and on April 29 for teenagers, were sponsored by the base's sexual assault response coordinator, or SARC, office and were part of the base's sexual assault awareness month. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Samantha S. Crane)

Classes teach self defense

Published May 6, 2008
By Airman 1st Class Samantha S. Crane
366th Fighter Wing Public Affair Office

MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho -- Throughout the month of April, adults learned how to better protect themselves against sexual predators during self defense classes held at the base fitness center with children between the ages of 12 and 17 also receiving the opportunity to learn defense techniques on April 29.

The classes were sponsored by the base's sexual assault response coordinator, or SARC, office and were part of the base's sexual assault awareness month, or SAAM.

Open to military members, retirees and their families, the classes served as a tool to empower people, increase their self-esteem and confidence, raise awareness of tactics used against victims and teach skills to open an avenue of escape against an attack, according to Cindi Drake, the base's SARC.

"Research studies indicate one in six women and one in 33 males experience an attempted or completed sexual assault in their lifetime," said Ms. Drake. "Most females and males are at risk for an attempted sexual assault at the age of 12, with the highest rate of reports to law enforcement being age 14 for teens and ages 18 to 24 for adults."

The instructor, Michael Poulin, 366th Civil Engineer Squadron draftsman, also teaches the Kuk Sool Won martial arts classes held on base, and he and his students worked together to teach the class members different escape techniques.

"The class increases a person's awareness, self-defense abilities and, most importantly, confidence," he said. "If you're confident, attackers will leave you alone."

"Self-defense is more than simply kicking or punching," Ms. Drake said. "It's about learning prevention and defensive techniques and raising our awareness of our environment. The skills learned can be utilized in various risky situations, not just a threat of a sexual assault."

The classes began two years ago during the first SAAM, and positive reaction and requests for further classes prompted the SARC to continue the classes each year, added Ms. Drake.

"For teens and adults, these new skills will likely mean increased self-confidence, a learned awareness and assessment ability in an environment they may find themselves in, and likely making different, healthier choices about their own safety," she said.

At the end of the class, each student broke a board to show how proper technique is more important than brute force.

"It was something everyone should experience," said Jenna Thompson, a student from the teen class.

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Classes teach self defense

Classes teach self defense

Classes teach self defense

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