WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio – Looking for a fun way to get in shape and learn how to defend yourself? Consider signing up for free Gracie Defense Systems classes held weekly at the Wright Field Fitness Center and Dodge Gym here.
The classes teach scenario-based and simple self-defense techniques that are designed to be used by anyone regardless of age, experience or physical fitness.
During each class students learn how to effectively respond to real life threats such being attacked by a person with a weapon. Students also learn how to defend themselves against various dangerous situations like getting choked, pulled, pushed, held against their will, etc. In addition, they learn how to use leverage to neutralize a bigger, stronger opponent.
The classes are taught by a group of volunteers who work in various organizations across base.
Caroline King, an electronics engineer in the Air Force Research Laboratory’s Aerospace Systems Directorate and Gracie instructor said that the classes train the mind and body to bounce back from what life throws at you.
“We learn that if you get tossed to the ground you get back up,” King said. “If someone sits on top of you or tries to beat your lights out, you recover. You learn your limits and you also learn to draw your boundaries verbally and physically so that regardless of who you are up against – even in non-physical encounters – you know when and how to take appropriate action if your boundaries are crossed.”
Cindy Hunt, an administrative assistant in AFRL’s Aerospace Systems Directorate said that the classes have made her stronger.
“Being in the classes has been wonderful and amazing, Hunt said. “I’ve gained a lot of confidence I’m more aware of my surroundings and if I’m approached [by someone with bad intentions], I know I can take care of myself. Everyone should be in this class.”
Being a frequent traveler and wanting to learn a practical way to defend herself was part of the reason Dr. Virginia Ross, a computer engineer at the AFRL DoD Supercomputing Resource Center, signed up for Gracie Defense Systems three years ago. Now she’s one of the instructors.
“We teach students how to avoid bad situations and how to get out of bad situations,” Ross said. “We teach basic techniques that can get people out of the majority of potential assault situations. Because we deal with leverage and natural body movement, a person’s strength and size does not make much difference. So a person my size can deal with a 300 pound person and do just fine.”
If you have physical limitations, instructor Eric Treadwell, a Human Factors Engineer with the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center’s Fighter Bomber Directorate said that the classes are still for you.
“There’s flexibility to the techniques that we teach here,” Treadwell said. “If it's physically impossible to do certain techniques like it is for me, we find ways to modify them to still make them work.”
Pick up a class schedule at the Wright Field Fitness Center or contact UDG_88ABW_WPAFBGDS@us.af.mil for additional information.