Free self defense class sponsored by RAP

[Dog Walker]

Riverside/Avondale Preservation is sponsoring a free womens' self-defense class for women living or working in the Historic District.  It is being conducted by a woman from the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office. 

It will be held two times on Saturday, March 27; 10:00AM - Noon and 2:00PM - 4:00PM.

Location is the Riverside Avenue Christian Church Fellowship Hall - Corner of Riverside Ave. and Cherry Street.

There is room for up to forty participants in each session.

Please RSVP to RAP at 389-2449

[Sportmotor]

they never do enough of these imo.
They should also do a Civi self defense weapons training.

[uptowngirl]

JSo offers (or did offer these) for free. We did one in Springfield at the Woman's Club.

[lindab]

 A female JSO officer is conducting the class and we think she will do a great job. We are especially focusing on training for female employees who work in restaurants and other businesses and leave evening or night to walk to a car or home.

[Scarlettjax]

The instructor for the class is Sergeant Barbara Weber, past winner of the International Toughest Cop competition and an awesome trainer.  She's done a lot of these, always to rave reviews.  It's not so much about hands-on, more about situational awareness and not looking like a victim.  Highly recommended!

[Dog Walker]

Success!!

Sgt. Barbara Weber was a hit at both sessions today.  High energy and enthusiasm are contagious and she was able to get many serious ideas across with laughter and audience participation.  Two hours went by in a flash.

"Keep your head on a swivel.  Listen to the hairs on the back of your neck." were followed with concrete examples and encouragement.

Participants ranged in age from teenagers to "we-aren't-telling" and were mostly women who both lived and worked in Riverside/Avondale.

All of the participants voted that this RAP program should be held at least once per year or even more.  All of them indicated that they would recruit more women to come now that they had been through the course.

The Chairman of the Board of RAP, Kay Ehaus spoke about the organizations expanding role as did Linda Bremer and Robin Lumb of the RAP Public Safety Committee who talked about neighborhood watch program and the possibility of continuing the womens' safety and self defense course.

[Ernest Street]

Bravo!..I have been a life long preacher to the females in my lives to ALWAYS BE AWARE of your surroundings.
Fancy Karate moves and mace aren't the first defence.
Swiveling your head around not only lets you spot something strange,but also lets a possible attacker know you are looking.
Digging in your purse while looking down is the worst No-no!!! Always have your keys in hand as you approach your home or vehicle.  (especially usefull if you have an alarm fob with a panic button!)
Being aware and not being surprised is worth it's weight in Ammo and mace.

On a side footnote, The subject of mace being dispersed and blowing on the owner has been discussed...in our weather lately...there have been very few days without wind.