Free West Orange Self-Defense Class Will Offer Tips, Tricks

WEST ORANGE, NJ — Want to learn how to defend yourself during an emergency, West Orange?

The West Orange Police Department is partnering with the West Orange Recreation Department, the West Orange Public School District and “one of the nation’s leading martial arts instructors” to provide basic self-defense techniques for teens and women ages 13 and older as part of Sexual Assault Awareness Month.

The free, public event will take place Sunday, April 22 from 1 to 4 p.m. at the West Orange High School in the Tarnoff Gymnasium. It will include “everyday safety tips and tricks” that local residents can use to protect themselves in an emergency, according to a joint news release from the agencies.

According to event organizers:

“The session will kick-off with members of the West Orange Police Department offering important everyday safety tips for teens/women to practice in their everyday lives… where do you hold your keys as you approach your car, safety tips for walking on campus at night, online/social media best practices and more. This will be followed by a hands-on training session lead by the U.S. Ambassador to the Krav Maga Federation, Denis Watson and his staff from Mobile 1 Krav Maga. Mr. Watson will teach real-life techniques that teens/women of all ages will be able to pick-up and practice in their everyday life. Participants will learn techniques to escape chokes, attempted abductions, how best to deal with overly aggressive colleagues and more.”

Participants are encouraged to dress in comfortable/workout attire. Refreshments/snacks will be provided.

“The safety of our community is our first priority,” said Mayor Robert Parisi. “We’re happy to bring this important, potentially life-saving session to the residents of West Orange featuring our bravest and finest officers.”

Mobile 1 Krav Maga founder Denis Watson said that it’s important to hope for the best but train for the worst.

“Everything we will teach in this and every session focuses on one goal and one goal only… getting home safely,” Watson said.

The session is open to the whole community, registration is required at www.westorange.org/rec. For more information, contact the West Orange Rec. Dept. at (973) 325-4150.

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Images via West Orange Police Department