SAN ANTONIO - It's sexual assault awareness month, so the Krav Maga training center in here San Antonio has teamed up with the non-profit group “Voices Against Sexual Assault” to offer a self-defense seminar for woman this weekend.
In a world that glorifies the multi-tasking, technically savvy, super-chic Everywoman, it is not uncommon to see women juggling a variety of tasks all at once. Whether walking through the parking lot, unloading the groceries, or jogging the neighborhood, women are often so distracted (be it the cell phone, the iPod, or thinking about that long to-do list) that they often neglect their own personal safety. These kinds of distractions and a lack of situational awareness can leave a woman vulnerable to a sexual assault.
This seminar is for ladies (age 12 and up) who want to be ready for the unexpected. This specialized session will focus on promoting safe practices during common daily activities. Participants will learn self-defense techniques that can be used if attacked while getting in and out of a car and defensive skills that can be employed if attacked while walking or jogging. The focus will be on what can happen when you are outdoors and vulnerable to surprise attacks.
The guest instructor for this event is Ms. Kelly Campbell, 3rd Degree Black Belt, and the highest ranking female in Krav Maga in the United States. Campbell, who lives in Los Angeles, has been teaching Krav Maga for over 10 years. Though she initially tried it on a whim, she instantly fell in love with Krav Maga, which is a fusion of several types of hand-to-hand combat techniques.
“Once I started training, I knew right away that it was the thing for me,” says Campbell. “It kept me sane. I was a single mom, and it helped me stay strong through the hard times because of the empowerment and self-confidence I gained from it.”
While some people may have difficulty even pronouncing the name of this fighting technique, Campbell insists that it is far easier than it sounds.
“Krav Maga is so valuable because it was designed for the average person and is so simple. That’s what makes it so effective.”
With regards to teaching the women’s self-defense seminar, Campbell says her greatest reward comes from passing along the same feelings she had when she first tried it.
“The most valuable thing that I’ve walked away with was the realization that I could do it. I could defend myself, and I could punch strong, and I have the tools within me to do it. In teaching the seminars, to see it click with my students when they realize that they can do it…it’s something so simple, and yet it means so much.”
For those who cannot attend the upcoming seminar, Campbell shared some valuable tips for women to reduce their risk of being targeted for an attack.
“Walk with confidence. The way that other people see you is what can open the door, potentially, for people to assault you.” Also, “be aware of your surroundings, and trust your instincts.”
This seminar will take place at the Krav Maga Regional Training Center, which is right beside Crossroads Shopping Mall at 100 Crossroads Blvd. It will be April 10 (Saturday), from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. The fee for the seminar will be a $20 donation to Voices Against Sexual Assault. Click here to sign-up or call 210.348.6127.
