Free self-defense classes being offered
COSHOCTON – First Step is offering community members a great opportunity to learn to protect themselves.
Free self-defense classes will be offered by Megan Philabaum, office/fiscal manager.
In July 2014, Philabaum was trained in self-defense by the National Women’s Martial Arts Federation. She spent two days at a conference in Chicago on how to engage with critics of self-defense, dealing with adaptive attackers, knife defense on the ground and engaging with social services agencies to provide safety trainings for staff.
“I want to help people protect themselves,” Philabaum said. “The class will give you basic information that can help anyone, male or female.”
The material presented also is appropriate for people of all physical abilities.
“Anybody can do this,” Philabaum said. “We did a class at Hopewell Industries because we can easily modify what is taught.”
Both physical and verbal skills are taught during the classes.
“It’s about being verbal, yelling and knowing what to say to attackers,” Philabaum said. “Hopefully doing this will scare them off.”
The plan is to offer a class in early February and then open trainings up to local agencies, organizations, schools, churches and clubs. Trainings take approximately an hour and a half and a minimum of five people must attend for a class to be held. There is no cost, but donations are welcome.
To schedule a class or for more information, contact Philabaum at First Step Family Violence Intervention Services at 740-622-8504 or by e-mail at firststepcosh@sbcglobal.net.
“I want people to be able to protect themselves if they are ever in a situation where they need to use self-defense,” Philabaum said.
josie@coshoctoncountybeacon.com
Category: People & Places
