YWCA to offer self-defense classes

YWCA of Van Wert County news

As part of National Crime Victim’s Rights Week, the YWCA of Van Wert will be offering a one-night, free Self-Defense Class for Women and a one-night free Personal Protection Class designed to teach kids how to avoid dangerous situations, and what to do when their personal safety is threatened.

The Women’s Self-Defense class will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, April 24.  The Van Wert Self Defense Team provides the class

This class is designed to teach women how to avoid dangerous situations and what they should do when faced with unavoidable, unsafe circumstances.  Class participants will gain confidence, knowledge, and the skills to protect themselves in this hands-on program.  Topics covered will include situation avoidance and prevention, self-defense, and improvised defense tools.

The kids Personal Protection Class is for boys and girls in grades 4-7 and will take place Saturday, April 27, from 6-8 p.m.

Instructors for both classes include Rick Busch and Ed Klausing. Busch is a black belt in Tae Kwon Do with 36 years of experience, including 24 years experience teaching martial arts, self-defense, and rape prevention classes and seminars. Klausing is a black belt and also has 32 years experience in teaching various martial arts.

Participants should be women and girls ages 13 and older and should wear loose-fitting comfortable clothing.  Pre-registration is requested by calling the YWCA at 419.238.6639.

For more information, contact YWCA Program Director Danni Chiles or Executive Director Stacy Looser at 419.238.6639. The YWCA is a United Way and Van Wert County Foundation funded agency.