Watertown learns to kick back

Teaching women how to escape from a dangerous situation was the focus of a self-defense program hosted by the Watertown High School cheerleaders Saturday.

"I hate to call it a self-defense class," instructor Brian Fussell said. "It's not possible to teach self-defense in a two hour class. This is more of personal protection awareness."

Fussell is an instructor with Gray Dragon Martial Arts Academy in Lebanon. He noted the class was based on progressive martial arts.
"It takes the key elements to train professionals (military and law enforcement) and allows them to learn in the least amount of time," Fussell said.

Members of the community as well as several of the cheerleaders participated in the clinic, which showed the students how to use "tools" they possessed in order to help them discourage a potential attacker.

Fussell showed each of the participants how to use voice inflections and presence to draw attention to an unwanted situation.
"Command of voice is very important," he noted.

The next step in the program was to instruct the women in the use of their "tools," the elbows and knees. Fussell pointed out the more vulnerable points on the body and let each of the participants practice using the elbows and knees to strike a pad and allow them to see how strong the effects of the blow were.

"I've been fortunate in my martial arts training to be able to see what works and what doesn't," he said.

After letting the class practice the techniques he described, Fussell opened the floor for questions the class had concerning potential bad situations.

He offered this advice: "If you see something that looks suspicious, it probably is." He added he didn't want the participants to live in fear, just to be aware of their surroundings to avoid being involved in a potentially life-threatening incident.

The class offered a resounding "yes" in response to Fussell's inquiry concerning their enjoyment of the program.

Anyone interested in participating in a self-defense course or other form of martial arts can contact Fussell or Jimmy Tarpley at 478-0644. The academy is located at Intrigue Athletics at 300 N. Maple St.

Staff Writer Kimberly Jordan can be reached at 444-3952 ext. 44 or by e-mail at kimberly.jordan@lebanondemocrat.com.