Former Bullying Victim Now Teaches Self Defense

The American Academy of Self Defense has been teaching locals the craft of martial arts at its Deer Park location for the past 12 years. Maria DiDio has recently added a new dynamic to the academy by incorporating her "Rose and Thorn" women's self defense classes into the school, teaching women of all ages how to handle themselves in difficult situations.

"I did a few workshops and it was a great success. It was full of women and a lot of spirit. Everyone was really into it. It went over so well that we are now doing ongoing programs," said DiDio.

DiDio, who has been teaching self defense to women for over 25 years and currently holds five black belts, says this type of training is crucial for women of all ages to be aware of especially because of the unstable economy. 

"Crimes are going up because employment is going down. Women are more vulnerable and they're a target. Men look at women are weak and women feel insecure and unsafe and they need to protect themselves," she said.

"A lot of women have come to me in the past because something had happened to them. I feel more woman are becoming more proactive in that instead of reactive. This isn't a want, or a nice to have, this is a need. Women need to see that. We are not safe anywhere. Long Island, even though it's a nice community and there are some great places to be, there are also some areas that are a little unsafe."

The 42-year-old instructor said her classes have not only been informational, but that it has also saved one of her students from an injury after an attempted attack. 

"One student was a teacher who worked with the mentally handicapped and she reacted because one of the students went to go hit her because he got angry. She was able to block and actually absorb the situation to derail him from going any further. She was able to block and defend herself and the kid backed off."

As for ability, DiDio says the classes are not just about physical strength and are open to anyone and everyone that wants to learn. 

"I think it is ageless. I know people who have been in the martial arts and they're 80-years-old. Self defense is not just physical. I think self defense is more mental. If you exude confidence no matter who you are or how old you are, you'll less likely get attacked than someone who shows fear."

Owner of the academy and recent addition to the Martial Arts Hall of Fame Mike Bertucci, said that both him and his customers are pleased with DiDio's efforts.

"She can communicate with them. They can communicate with her. They feel very connected to her. She is just awesome. She deals with everybody so well. She is so accepting. She is a very talented lady," he said.

Other than hosting courses in self defense, DiDio has also started hosting bullying prevention workshops for local girl scout troops and schools after living through the hardships of being bullied as a child when she was growing up in Farmingdale. 

"I was bullied when I was a kid. The guidance counselor was tired of seeing me and told me that I needed some confidence and that I should take karate classes and here I am today. Unfortunately, kids can't get away from it, kids can be cruel. There is going to be the perpetrator and there is going to be the victim so I teach people to not only not be a bully but also how to prevent from being bullied. How to mentally deal with somebody as well as physically if they have to."

The American Academy of Self Defense Women's Self Defense courses run every Saturday from 10-11 a.m. with an average of 15-25 students per class. Private sessions, group lessons and workshops can be arranged. Call: (631) 667-5001 for more information.