Self-Defense Class Teaches Women to help Themselves

In just an hour, 20 women in Pasco County learned something that could one day save their life.

The Pasco County Sheriff’s Office teamed up with the VIP Black Belt Champions Training Center in Odessa Wednesday night to offer a free course on self-defense for women to the community.  

Laurie Johnson, the academy’s program director, said that this is the first class of its type the academy has offered. Sheriff Chris Nocco said he hopes to expand the program throughout the county and partner up with other martial arts schools.  

The idea for the class came about through conversations between Nocco, Johnson and the master instructor, Lou Hurtado.

“Sometimes it takes a lot of guts to just walk in and say ‘I need help,’ especially with a subject like [self-defense and domestic violence],” Johnson said.

All three saw a need in the community for this type of program.   Those who showed up to participate agreed.

“We’re here to get pointers on how to protect ourselves, defend ourselves,” said Trinity resident Kristen Contreras. “You learn what to look for and how to be aware of your surroundings.”

“Because things happen even in the best of communities,” said Contrera’s mother, Mary Alice Travers.

The class began with Nocco and Cpl. Alan Wilkett giving pointers from a law enforcement point of view on how to protect oneself from dangerous situations and identity fraud. They also discussed resources available to victims of domestic violence.

“Our job as law enforcement is to protect you," Nocco said. “No one deserves to be a victim. We hope to give you training and information to protect yourselves, too, because unfortunately, there is evil in our society.”

Hurtado began the training with warm-up exercises like stretching and told the group that most self-defense courses are ineffective. Beginner classes should emphasize the basics.

“They go too deeply into moves that require years of training,” Hurtado said. “One thing I’ve found effective for teaching self-defense is quick strikes and escape.”

Hurtado said slow strikes, palm strikes, punching, and use of knees, all form of martial arts called Muay Thai, are quick and easy maneuvers that can allow you to get away from your attacker. Ultimately though, you should do whatever it takes to get away and find help.

“In the situations we are talking about, there are no rules,” Hurtado said. “The only rule is to do what it takes to get away. ...Running away from the bad guy is half the battle. Keeping in shape is good for our well-being and for running away from the bad guys.”

If nothing else, Hurtado said “there is no man in here, including myself, who can take a kick to the groin.”

Hurtado stressed that although the last place you want to end up is on the floor, if you do, you better know how to handle it. He taught the women a way to roll an attacker that is sitting on top of them hitting them so that they have the advantage.

The attendees sweated and panted their way through some intense exercises but surprised Hurtado with some of the strength behind their kicks and punches. He walked around the room, testing each lady on their newly-learned skills.

Friends Cheryl DeTuccio and Kristen Tubeck feel better equipped to handle an attacker should the unfortunate occasion arise.

“It’s just little strikes that you don’t think will make a huge difference but they do,”  said Tubeck, a Wesley Chapel resident.

DeTuccio agreed but said confidence is the key.

“It’s going to make a big difference when someone attacks you if you have the confidence to fight back,” said Detuccio, a Land O’ Lakes resident.

Nocco was pleased with the turnout. He doesn’t doubt the ability of the instructors to empower women to fight back in case of an attack.

“My children come here and I’m a practice dummy at home”, Nocco said. “They know all the kill points. There are times where I’m hunched over and saying ‘why did you hit me there?’”

For those who want to get in on the action, another self-defense class will be held Friday, August 6, at 7:15 p.m. at the academy at 2409 Merchant Ave.