2008 Woodie Awards
Classes guard against attacks
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Master Azad from Azad's Martial Arts Academy said that a public place is where women are most likely to be attacked.
Because of recent abductions and sexual assaults, many women are encouraged to enroll in any of the self-defense classes that are offered all over Chico.
"Predators often look at all women as vulnerable," Azad said. "Attacks are usually committed on women who aren't going with their gut instinct. Whether it's going to a party, going on a date or whatever, if the feeling isn't right, go with it."
Azad said he uses an "ABC" guide to help women in an attack situation. A: awareness, B: breathe and be calm, and C: communicate with the attacker.
"The second an attacker knows you can threaten them in any way, you are less likely to be attacked," Azad said.
Debra Craton, one of Azad's students and a survivor of an abusive marriage, said she joined Azad's school to build courage and be able to face her fears.
"My ex-husband could tell I was less vulnerable. I just began to walk tall, and I was being much more aware of what he was doing, he backed off," Craton said. "Just having the knowledge of self-defense makes me more courageous and raises my self-esteem, I recommend it for every woman."
Azad is offering a free women's self-defense class at 5 p.m. Oct. 25 at his studio.
Classes are also available to women on campus.
Brian Davis, Mu Alpha Xi president, has organized a series of free women's self-defense classes for Chico State University women.
The class will be led by Vince Scocozza, who has been teaching self-defense for more than 32 years.
The classes will be held in three levels.
First-level training includes front and side attacks. Second-level training includes back and ground attacks. The class focuses on escape and protection for back and ground holds. Third-level training includes a combination of the first two levels.
Davis said the training practice will involve hands-on training on a member of Mu Alpha Xi, padded up in a suit.
The classes will begin on Oct. 22, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. and will continue every Tuesday for eight weeks.
Davis said there is a limit of 20 students per class. Chico State female students can sign up in the recreation center near Whitney Hall, where the classes will be held.
Davis said there are two additional, coed self-defense classes scheduled at 6 p.m. on Nov. 1 and Nov. 8 in Acker 202. Sign-ups for these will also be in the recreation center.
Harold Jones, an instructor at Haley's Martial Arts Studio, said he believes in three steps of teaching women self-defense.
An important step is for women to be physically fit and able to defend themselves.
He uses mental techniques and awareness. Jones said he shows women when and how to be prepared in an attack situation.
His last course gives instruction on how to use pepper spray. He said he uses techniques that are simple, effective and the quickest way to get away and survive.
Jones offers self-defense courses that are in four 90-minutes sessions. The cost of the entire self-defense course is $30 per person or, for a group, a flat rate of $250. Haley's Martial Arts Studio is at 260 Cohasset Road.
Kim Sherman can be reached at ksherman@orion-online.net