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Local business offers free self defense classes to Scott

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Amber Kelly-Woodward
  • 375th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. --  A local business is reaching out to Team Scott by teaching self defense.

Bushido Ryu Martial Arts is offering free teachings to everybody on base.

"I was walking out of Walmart and saw the missing children wall full of pictures and that was horrible," said Jamie Williams, BRMA master instructor, who has studied martial arts for more than 20 years. "Martial arts is way of serving the community and seeing less children on that wall."

The free classes offered will focus on prevention and panic techniques. They will last an hour to an hour and a half and consist of different scenarios.

"The classes are more realistic and will focus on getting away," said Scott Nolda, BRMA sensei renshi, who holds a third-degree black belt.

Although BRMA also teaches various martial arts, martial arts are used for discipline and relaxation.

"Self defense is surprising, informal and spur of the moment," said Mr. Williams.

The free classes will also cover the mental side effects of an attack.

"People may not be able to defend themselves because they freeze," said Mr. Williams.

Another aspect the classes cover is self preservation.

"After an attack, psychologically people can feel that it was their fault for being attacked," said Mr. Williams. "They can even be accused by the police."

The BRMA also provides phone numbers for counseling.

"Anyone who attends can learn self confidence, feel safe and have a greater sense of awareness," said Mr. Nolda. "At the same time, they can learn that not everyone is out to hurt them, but if a situation does happen, they are prepared."

Children are also encouraged to attend.

"It can give parents peace of mind that their children will be able to fight back," said Tabitha Touchette, BRMA sempai assistant instructor.

The classes can be held as many times as needed and BRMA will even do follow-up classes as needed. Times are determined based on when interested parties are available.

The BRMA studio is located at 204 St. Louis Street in Lebanon, Ill.

For more information, call BRMA at 334-2558 or visit www.brmartialarts.com and click on the "free self defense tab."