There’s a new class at WSHS where students are encouraged to fight! Well, if they can’t avoid a dangerous attack that is. Last Friday, a visit to this class revealed what’s  happening  in the Bears’ Den during fourth block.

Three representatives from Cliff’s Karate in West Plains came to share information and demonstrate some self-defense moves for the girls to practice. Master Instructor and third degree black belt Ron Hobson, former student and second degree black belt Ty Blagg, and yellow belt Steve Brown spent the first part of the period explaining ways to avoid being a victim.

“Avoid wearing a lot of bling. Wearing expensive jewelry makes you a  more desirable target to someone looking for a robbery victim. Try not to be out alone. There is more safety in numbers,” explained Master Instructor Hobson.

The presenters spent a majority of the class period showing escape techniques and ways to counter the attacker’s greater size by using leverage. Again and again, the girls were told to do what it took to escape as quickly as possible, run, and keep running.

Mr. Hobson talked to the girls about the use of pepper spray and explained that it is illegal in some states.  While it is legal to carry in Missouri, it is banned from being brought into certain buildings. He also taught them about everyday items that can be used for self-defense like flashlights and keys.

“Don’t ever pull something out to defend yourself unless you have been trained to use it for defense and you are fully willing to use it against your attacker. Because if you pull something out and hesitate, the attacker will take it away from you, and he will use it on you instead. If you can’t follow through, don’t do it.”

The students in this class really seemed to enjoy learning how to defend themselves. They laughed and giggled nervously as they first attempted each move, but as they continued to practice, their confidence and focus grew.

WSHS student Ynez Dona said, “I like this class because we learn all of the techniques to defend ourselves. You may be small or short, but trust me, you’lll be the big person using these skills!”

Junior Augusta Gray said, “It’s pretty fun, but at first it’s scary.”

Mr. Hobson told the students, "One thing we have lots of in the Ozarks is sticks and trees. If you learn to use a bow, you can use those skills with a makeshift bow like a stick."

Ty Blagg explained the history of nunchucks and demonstrated how something originally designed to harvest grain can be used as a weapon.

Ashley Hardisty learns to escape a choke hold.

First the instructor demonstrated a way to break a hold or put off an attacker, and then the students would try it.

Nakita Perkins learns to escape wrist holds.

Instructor Hobson shows Kayla Roberts how to escape an attack from someone behind you.

Ty Blagg demonstrates a wheel maneuver using leverage to throw off an attacker.

Kayla Roberts tries the wheel maneuver on Mr. Hobson.

If all of this sounds useful and fun, sign up for girls’ defense at the next class scheduling time.