YWCA to offer self-defense classes

YWCA of VW County information

The YWCA of Van Wert County will be offering a one-night self-defense class for women on Monday, April 20, from 6 to 8 p.m., and a one night self-defense class for children in grades 4-7 on Wednesday, April 22, from 6-7:30 p.m. These classes are offered as part of the National Crime Victims’ Rights Week.  The class is provided by the Van Wert Self Defense Team and is one more way women can be empowered.

The self-defense classes are designed to teach women and children how to avoid dangerous situations and what they should do when faced with unavoidable, unsafe circumstances. Class participants will gain confidence, knowledge, and the skills to protect themselves in this hands-on program. Topics covered will include situation avoidance and prevention, self-defense, and improvised defense tools.

Class instructors include Rick Busch and Ed Klausing.

Busch is a black belt in Tae Kwon Do with 30 years of experience, including 24 years’ experience teaching martial arts, self-defense, and rape prevention classes and seminars. Klausing is a third-degree black belt and also has experience in teaching various martial arts. Adult participants should be women and girls ages 13 and older and should wear loose-fitting comfortable clothing. Pre-register by calling the YWCA at 419.238.6639.

According to the Department of Justice, one in five teenagers and young women have been a victim of some form of dating violence and almost 189,000 victims of sexual assault and rape annually, don’t become a statistic, learn how to protect oneself now.

To participate in the self-defense classes please pre-register now by calling the YWCA at the above number.  For more information, call the above number and ask for Executive Director Tammy Branham-Cripps.

The YWCA is a United Way and Van Wert County Foundation funded agency.