BUTTE – “Eye gouge. It’s not pretty, this is down and dirty, you will survive. That’s what we’re going for. It’s not pretty, it’s combat,” said Lion Pit of Butte instructor Bruce Nilson.
These are some of the moves that will be taught at a free self-defense class for women this weekend at the Lion Pit Dojo in Butte.
“It’s one of those things I think every woman should learn, some basic self-defense in whatever situation,” said Lyndsay Alt of Safe Space.
The class is being hosted by the Safe Space battered women’s shelter in Butte. Nilson will show participant simple, but effective moves to escape an attacker.
“Someone who is being choked, if they’ve got you down on the ground, if they’re choking you, threatening you, everything from simple assault to attempted rape, they have to gain control of your body first, this is how you escape their control and in some cases gain control of them,” Nilson said.
The class is all about teaching women how to get out of dangerous situations quickly as possible. For instance, you get into a headlock with a guy, he’s bigger than, she knows a quick move to end this situation fast.
“It’s a real good skill set, it’s the sort of thing you pull out of your back pocket if you’re in a dark alley and you want to make sure you’re the one who walks away,” Nilson said
This course is designed to help women of any size and fitness level.
“They make it easy to learn and that’s the best part about this, it’s a spirit of comradery, you find or vibe you have your tribe, and I think that’s what I want for this class, not to be intimidated and easily get empowered,” Alt said.
People can still sign up for the free Saturday class from noon to 2 p.m. by calling 782-9807.
