Body Conscious Training is Equipping Women for Self-Defense Success

Merrill and Sheryl Sinclair own and operate Body Conscious Training and Sinclair’s Kyuki-Do Martial Arts Studio. The Dallas, GA based fitness facilities are dedicated to helping individuals from all walks of life lead fit and healthy lifestyles. “ We are for everyone. We offer an environment of encouragement and not judgment. We want everyone, no matter what size or place they are in their health journey, to feel comfortable enough to want to come here and workout without being judged.” Sheryl said.

Recently, the couple hosted a free self-defense seminar at their facility off of Hiram-Acworth highway. Lynn Houts, who is a black belt in Kyuki-Do and instructor at Sinclair’s KMA helped to facilitate the event. She spoke to the 15 women and teen girls who were in attendance. Houts is passionate about both martial arts and also seeing to it that women have the tools they need to defend themselves if ever faced with an attack. “Women have so many misconceptions when it comes to being vulnerable to an attack.” She said.

“Most women feel safe during the afternoon because this is considered mommy and me time. In fact, most people let their guards down when they are out and about with their kids during the day. In actuality, women should feel less safe during this time because although mostt predators are lazy, they are also smart enough to know that you are an easy target at this point in the day. No matter what time of the day it is, you have to always be prepared. Remember to never let go of your child’s hand when you are out and about.” Houts explained.

Houts believes that self-defense or a lack of it takes places before a crime ever occurs. ”As soon as you step out of your car, you need to be a presence. Most people are victims before a crime even takes place because they are not paying attention to their surroundings. “ She said.

Merrill Sinclair who is the head instructor t Sinclair’s KMA had over 30 years of martial arts training and has been training women in self -defense techniques for over 2 decades. During the self-defense class, he taught the women physical tactics that are necessary in fending off an attacker.

“The first question that I ask women during these types of courses is if they are comfortable with hurting someone. The reason that I ask this is because if someone grabs you, the thought needs to cross your mind that you will have to hurt them in order to get them to stop. The pain might have to come to a point that they will have to visit an emergency room for medical treatment. The preferred result is to escape before this happens, but sometimes that is not an option and you have to be prepared for this.” Merrill said.

Sheryl emphasized that taking inventory of the people around you is an important key in remaining safe.  Every person that you meet is not out to do you harm. But, you have to assess and reassess the people that you come into contact with. It is important to remain cautious when dealing with people that you don't know. Sometimes those that you do know can surprise you from time too. These people are called infiltrators. As women, we should not be afraid or ashamed to set boundaries for ourselves. A person who does not mean you any harm will respect your cautiousness and recognize those boundaries. The same rules that we teach out children about others, are the same rules that we need to follow ourselves.” She said.

Body Conscious Training and Sinclairs Kyuki-Do Martial Arts is located in the Acworth Village Shopping Center, behind the Crossroads Kroger.

Address: 8492 Acworth Hwy, Ste 125, Dallas, GA 30157

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