KNWA & FOX24 anchors learn self-defense
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) — KNWA anchor Chelsea Helms and FOX24 anchor Anna Darling learned how to protect themselves when in danger as part of a women’s self-defense course on a Friday night in mid-April.
The free class was funded through a Project Safe Neighborhoods grant and was hosted by the Fayetteville Police Department at its new headquarters off of North Stephen Carr Memorial Boulevard.
Sr. Master Randy Edwards with Fayetteville Martial Arts led the course with the help of former Marine Jason Martin.
More than a dozen women from high school age to retirees participated and learned how to use their body language, words and physical force as forms of defense.
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The women were taught to stand with their dominant leg back once they began to feel threatened by someone. As the situation intensified, they were instructed to put their hands up near their face and yell “Back off” until the threat backed down.
They also learned to go for a person’s eyes while simultaneously yelling “eyes” if they’re ever attacked and to kick the perpetrator(s) in the groin area while yelling “step, kick, step, kick” until the person drops. At that point, the women were told to put their hands back up and look around (in case of a further threat) and then go to get help.
In a debrief after the class, many of the women talked about how much more confident they felt having these tools to be able to protect themselves in the event of danger.
Watch the video above to see how Anna and Chelsea did in mock scenarios.
To learn more about taking a self-defense course contact Fayetteville Martial Arts at 479-274-8314 or by email at info@fayettevillemartialarts.com.
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