Charlie Breitrose
Self-defense instructors from IMPACT Boston show how to knee an attacker in the groin.
With a swift upward thrust of their knees accompanied by a loud “No!” a group of girls at Watertown High School practiced how to fight off an attacker.
On a recent Friday, a group of more than 30 female students spent several hours learning a variety ways to fend off someone who threatened them. The self-defense class was taught by IMPACT Boston, and paid for with funds the Watertown Public Schools received through the Carol M. White Physical Education Program (PEP) grant.
The opportunity to learn about self defense was offered to the girls in the senior class, said PE teacher Tina Taylor, and when some spots remained juniors were invited to participate.
“The hope is we get money to fund this in the future and we can teach all the students self-defense before they leave (WHS),” Taylor said.
Charlie Breitrose
A group of girls from the Watertown High School senior and junior classes learned self-defense techniques recently.
During just a half an hour, the group learned a move to strike the attacker in the eyes using “beak hands,” and to knee someone in the groin.
The instruction also included the importance of technique and balance.
“It’s not just about hitting in the group,” the IMPACT instructor said. “I’m using my full force to push him down.”
When using the beak hands, the instructors told the girls it is important to be ready to keep striking, in case the person continues to threaten them.
Taylor said she first saw a demonstration of the class during the annual conference hosted by MAHPERD (Massachusetts Association of Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance). She thought about training the PE teachers at the high school to teach the class, but decided it would take too long.
She found the class informative, herself.
“I’m learning a lot here,” Taylor said.