Self-defense class kicks it up for sexual assault awareness

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Janine Thibault
  • 354th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska --  For an individual whose well-being or safety is threatened by physical violence, knowing how to react can make the difference between being able to defend themselves and becoming a victim.

Eielson Airmen attended a self-defense class at the Baker Field House here April 25 to promote awareness and prevention in support of Sexual Assault Awareness month.

The three-hour class taught attendees the physical and mental mindset principles of self-defense so they could be better prepared in the event of an assault.

To facilitate the class, the 354th Fighter Wing Sexual Assault Response Coordinator office reached out to the local community to enlist the help of Jerry Potts, president and head instructor of Orion's Belt School of Self Defense in Fairbanks.

It's important to have a professional instruct the class so attendees can receive quality education and be taught the right way, said Daniel Jones, 354th FW SARC assistant.

The class gathered around Potts, who explained and portrayed ways body language plays a role in whether an individual looks like a target or not. He also provided tips highlighting habits to avoid and behaviors that would help keep people looking capable and sure of themselves.

"Having someone from the community teach the class gave [individuals] a different perspective other than the military mind frame and local statistics," said Capt. Sarah Booth, 354th FW SARC.

Attendees learned how to escape the grasp of an attacker when held against a wall, held by their wrist or neck, or if they have been pinned to the ground.

"This class gives individuals the tools they can use to boost their confidence and let them know they don't need to be a victim," said Booth.

At the end of the class, all students were successful in breaking a wooden board by kicking it with the same techniques they learned to fend off an aggressor.

Potts explained the board would give a fair representation of the amount of force necessary to break an attacker's knee or elbow if the situation called for it.

"Practice means a lot," said Potts. "You're not going to have the expertise unless you practice it."

The SARC offers education and assistance in helping members of the Eielson community overcome issues brought on by sexual assault. For more information or to speak with the SARC, call 377-7272.