STARKVILLE, Miss. (WCBI) – Self-defense can be considered a necessity when you’re out and about alone.
In Starkville, the Downtown Martial Arts Academy held self-defense classes for ages 12 and up.
Downtown Martial Arts Academy felt it was important for citizens to know self-defense techniques.
That's why we've organised free short courses to provide you with the skills and strategies you need to protect yourself and others.
Doug Bedsall said he has been teaching self-defense for almost 25 years.
He said those skills may be needed at any time.
“No matter where you are in life, whether it's at school, at work or at the grocery store, you can encounter danger,” Bedsall said. “People are paying attention to the news and they see events that are happening, whether it's in their local community or across the country, so there's a sense that people can be at risk. In general, our community is safe, but you never know when something bad is going to happen, so it's always a good idea for residents to have a little bit of training to help them be safer in their daily lives.”
Downtown Martial Arts Academy typically holds self-defense clinics every two to three months for children and adults.
Assistant teacher Cheryl Chambers said the lesson teaches children to be aware of their surroundings.
“It's really great to get involved with them at such a young age,” Chambers said. “Getting them to understand self-awareness, awareness of others around them, being active, moving, there's so many things that I think are great to instill in them at such a young age. They're such a joy to work with because they're full of joy and energy.”
Chambers said she started teaching self-defense to kids when she was a student herself.
“I started practicing here, learning self-defense and realized this was an opportunity to apply those skills to a group of people that I already love working with,” Chambers said. “Again, kids are just fun and energetic and so joyful, so the idea that I could instill important skills in that group was really rewarding.”
Downtown Martial Arts Academy will host its next free self-defense clinic on September 7th.
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