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Women of the 345th Recruiting Squadron learn martial arts

  • Published
  • 345th Recruiting Squadron
SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. --  Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu coach Mike Rethmeyer instructed a small group of women from the 345th Recruiting Squadron in basic self-defense recently. The seminar covered the basics of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu including escapes, chokes, and submissions that will work in real life situations.

Mr. Rethmeyer said the class was a huge success and left the participants eager to learn more.

"Brazilian Jiu-Jistu promotes the principle that a smaller, weaker person can successfully defend themselves against a bigger, stronger assailant using leverage and proper technique; most notably, by applying joint-locks and chokeholds to defeat them," he said.

"I feel that Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is the last true martial arts, without Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu there would be no Mixed Martial Arts, it is the most applicable in real world situations."

Tech. Sgt. Ian Kline helped organize the class. He said, "I have been training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for the past six months and it has been a great experience. Our instructor has been very supportive of the Air Force and wanted a way to give back to the Airmen. We thought it would be a great idea to organize a women's self-defense seminar to ensure the safety of our female Airmen."

Chief Master Sgt. Robin Hurst said, "I want to give a heartfelt thanks to Coach Rethmeyer and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Lifestyle Academy for the outstanding support they have given the 345th Recruiting Squadron."

Mr. Rethmeyer is planning on holding more seminars in the future.

"When faced with an attacker the best option is avoidance, but when the attack is unpreventable learning how to defend yourself may mean the difference between life and death," he said.

Mr. Rethmeyer, owner and head instructor at Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Lifestyle Academy, is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt and well versed in mixed martial arts.

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Lifestyle Academy offers training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, MMA, No-Gi (grappling), wrestling, kids, and women's self-defense.

For information on classes and seminars contact coach Mike Rethmeyer at (314)-780-4222 or www.bellevillejiujitsu.com.