Defending what's important: Police officers teach self-protection techniques

WARNER ROBINS - Practicing a few basic self-defense techniques might help a woman escape a life-threatening situation. At least that's the idea behind the Warner Robins Police Department's weekly women's self-defense classes.

For Carol Stanley of Bonaire, being prepared for the unexpected was what brought her to the WRPD training center off Ga. 247.

"I don't want to panic if someone should attack me," she said. "I think I could hurt somebody if I'm afraid I'm going to be hurt."

Stanley attended the hands-on class with Connie Kinsey. The best friends were among almost 20 women attending the month of classes.

WRPD officers Mike Fennell and Chuck Hulon conducted this week's hour-long session, which dealt with hands-on techniques women could use if attacked by a stranger.

The officers focused on pressure points on the body which could be kicked, pinched, jabbed or twisted. In all cases, the idea was to apply enough moves and to react to have enough time to get away and seek help.

One technique included using the hands to push up and under the nose against the infra-orbital nerve, causing an attacker's head to be pushed back. Another included using four fingers to press under the jawbone at the top of the neck. Even a small amount of pressure was enough to make every participant rise to their toes.

"Wherever the head goes, the body will follow," said Fennell, who has practiced martial arts for many years.

Fennell and Hulon agreed it doesn't matter what size or strength an attacker possesses. Many of the moves that were being taught can overcome size or strength if performed correctly.

For example, distraction techniques such as grabbing and pulling a wrist and knowing to step away from an attacker and not toward his body can make a difference.

Moving around is also key.

"You don't fight in a straight line," said Fennell.

"Twist the body the way it's not meant to be twisted," added Hulon.

Picture someone standing in front of you with legs spread a few feet apart and hands down at the side. Then picture a triangle on the ground directly behind the body. If you were to push and direct one of the hands back to the center of the triangle behind that body, the rest of the attacker's body will follow. Moves like these can be done in one or two motions.

"You should take it personally when someone comes up to you and you don't want to be touched," Fennell added. "You have every right to defend yourself."

Conversation also focused on women being aware of their immediate surroundings, especially when out shopping. Many of the women in attendance admitted to leaving their purses unattended, if even for a few seconds, while in a store, or looking straight ahead and not paying attention to others around them.

"Get the big picture. Watch people," said Fennell.

Doing just enough to get away and run is what is most important.

"What we want them to do is just to do something. Don't freeze," he said.

Additional classes will be set up throughout the year for women wishing to learn about self-defense.

Self-defense tips


An assailant will establish ideal hunting grounds with casual surveillance points and will begin sizing up a potential victim. If followed, go into a store and watch. Request assistance. Attackers will look for witnesses before making contact and will look for an ambush point with low visibility to avoid being seen.

To reduce reaction time once you find yourself in a harmful situation: Examine your clothing for escape opportunities. Don't enter an unsafe place. Be alert and stay in crowds. Always be aware of points of escape and always maintain a gap. Have a verbal response ready. Have a plan and know your own physical limitations.

In terms of body language, stand erect and project an image of confrontation. Establish a defiant stance and be verbally confrontational if approached. Look for identifying features.

Security tips at home: Maintain adequate outdoor lighting. Keep bushes trimmed and don't hide keys in obvious places, like under a doormat. Have good window locks and install dead bolts.

Vehicle safety: Keep gas tanks filled and always keep doors locked. Park in well-lit areas and in populated locations. Always have keys ready when leaving a location and carry a cell phone. Also, have emergency equipment in your vehicle.

Jenny Gordon is a community news writer with The Houston Peach. To share an upcoming event or fund-raiser, or to nominate someone for our Peach Basket, please call 923-3109 ext. 240 or email jgordon@macontel.com.

By Jenny Gordon
TELEGRAPH STAFF WRITER