Self-Defense Classes for the Community: 

Gain awareness and feel empowered by participating in a FREE self-defense program with a family member or mentoring friend -- and be confident that you can protect yourself by using a minimum of force. 

Since last summer, the Church of the Messiah has been hosting self-defense classes offered by Michele Hax to community members young and old.  For her spring 2008 session, Michele is offering FREE training to 5 pairs of mother/daughter, aunt/niece, female mentor/mentored couples -- with the youngest of the pairing between the ages of 13 and 21.  

These one hour classes will be held on Tuesday evenings from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. from April 1st through May 27th.  Enrollment is on a first come, first served basis.  

Michele is a licensed clinical social worker and a Black Belt.  She teaches Women's Studies (WMST) at the Community College of Baltimore County (CCBC) Dundalk Campus and Self-Defense & WMST:Violence Against Women at the CCBC Essex Campus.  

The classes are open to any female pairs following the age guideline for the youngest partner -- regardless of fitness level -- but a doctor's permission is recommended.  They are structured to cover many different ways to keep yourself safer, including both verbal and physical responses to threats, and are held in a safe and encouraging atmosphere.  We've had people aged 70+ attend on a regular basis, and Michele personalizes the instruction to accommodate any physical limitations you may have.  Your safety is paramount and is what these classes are about!

Call Michele at 410-254-4602 or e-mail her at budograndmom@aol.com for more information or to sign up.  

Remember, class slots will be filled on a first-come, first served basis -- and be sure to dress in comfortable clothes and bring or wear socks!