Self Defense for Women

I was watching WMUR Thursday night and saw a feature on a self-defense class offered by the Manchester YWCA.

One of the main points in the feature was that this type of training wasn’t offered in school. In our troubled times, the ability to defend yourself and/or avoid and escape from an attacker is paramount ... especially for women. One of the women interviewed stated that her small stature would make her an easy target and that she wished she had learned the skills at a younger age.

Too bad she didn’t go to !

Concord High School offers a PE Elective called “Self-Defense for Women.” The brainchild of Hayden Daly, the course was approved roughly five years ago when the PE Department expanded its offerings. Daly went to Massachusetts to get certified and was the first instructor of the class. After the first year or so, it became clear that the course was gaining popularity as enrollment requests skyrocketed.

Daly was awarded a grant and used the money to purchase a simulation suit so that his students could practice the moves in a more realistic fashion. He had to take additional training in order to use the suit. I have fond memories of the descriptions of these simulations from both the students and from Hayden. I also remember him being tired and sore from the simulations, but always with a smile on his face.

Empowering young people, female or male, is the best part of teaching and coaching. Regardless of the vehicle through which students gain confidence and strength, these outcomes are positive and important. This class isn’t just about teaching physical moves, it is also about teaching teenage girls to channel inner strength and turn fear into action.

I love that Concord High School is at the forefront of addressing self-defense skills for our young women. As the mother of two daughters I worry for their safety. It is nice to know that when they get to high school they will have this opportunity.