(Air Force photo by Michele Eaton)

Ninety Airmen from Wright-Patterson AFB, along with ten participants from Wright State University, practice how to rise from a vulnerable seated position during the first day of a 40-hours self-defense instructor course at Wright State University March 10. The program, Gracie Defense Systems, designed by Gracie Global specifically for the military, is part of a research partnership between Wright-Patterson AFB and Wright State University that will certify participating Airmen to teach self-defense to others.

(Air Force photo by Michele Eaton)

In a simulated self-defense move designed to escape a potential attacker, 104-pound 2nd Lt. Coraviece Terry, Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC), throws off the restraining hand of Staff Sgt. Timothy Noel, AFLCMC, while team member Todd Engelman (right), Fighters and Bombers Directorate, AFLCMC, offers input during the first day of a 40-hour self-defense course at Wright State University March 10. The course will certify participating Airmen to teach self-defense to others in a program offered as part of a research partnership between Wright-Patterson AFB and Wright State University.

Ninety Wright-Patterson Airmen certified to teach self-defense

Published March 17, 2014
By Michele Eaton
88 Air Base Wing Public Affairs

WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Oh. -- Wright-Patterson Air Force Base leadership plans to make self-defense training more readily available to Airmen in the near future by providing certified instructors to the base community.

The self-defense instructor training program is part of leadership's on-going effort to cultivate strong, empowered, and resilient Airman.

The program launched its first 40-hour instructor training course March 10 at Wright State University. The current training will certify 90 Wright-Patterson-based active-duty Airmen in jiu-jitsu for self-defense instruction.

Col. Cassie Barlow said she is hoping to see Airmen come out of self-defense training with increased self-awareness, self-confidence, and self-determination.

"There's the physical side of it, but there's also a mental and psychological side," said Barlow, the 88th Air Base Wing commander. "This is about renewing a culture of dignity and respect. We want to reinforce this message. Self-confidence, self-determination, self-awareness - these areas are important to us."

"This will give me confidence in myself that I can share with others. It's an avenue for me to help others learn to defend themselves," said 2nd Lt. Coraviece Terry, instructor trainee.

Rener Gracie, who is a third degree black belt, said of Wright-Patterson's first group of instructor trainees, "Everybody is very motivated here. And most groups don't show this kind of potential. This is a great group of students."

The training is also part of a collaborative effort between Wright-Patterson and Wright State University's College of Education and Human Service.