Richard and Angela Russell, Lionheart Krav Maga & Fitness owners, are hosting a Women’s Self-Defense Seminar on Saturday beginning at 1 – 3 p.m. at their gym located at 922 South John Redditt Drive in Lufkin.
“Most women will be touched by domestic violence or sexual assault or some sort of violent crime at some point in their life, either if it’s them or a family member or friend,” Angela said. “If we can help one or two women avoid that situation or recolonize that situation before it becomes dangerous, it was all worth opening the doors.”
Attendees will have the opportunity to learn mind-setting exercises, basic combatives, and simple but effective defense techniques. All participants will be able to test these new skills by drilling in reality-based situations.
“There comes to a point, where you have to stop being polite and you have to assert yourself. To do that by itself will usually diffuse an attack,” Richard said. “Attackers want a victim. If they attack you and you beat the crap out of them, they are going to the hospital and jail. That’s not what they want. They want a victim; they don’t want someone whose going to hurt them.”
The married duo said they plan to host more self-defense seminars throughout the year. For Saturday’s event, the cost to attend is $12 in advance and $15 at the door.
All proceeds and voluntary donations from Saturday’s event will go to fund the Lionheart Teen Scholarship, which grants area teens access to train at the gym in a “safe, positive environment,” Richard said.
A representative from Damsel in Defense, a line of women’s defense products, will be at the Seminar, Angela said. The line includes: conceal weapons, tasers, pepper spray, and much more designed with a feminine twist.
“I just want it to be a fun day to celebrate women,” Angela said. “I want women to grab their girlfriends and have fun. It’s a serious topic, but we’re going to address it from lighthearted, fun practice. …It’s just knowing what I would do in this situation, and hopefully you never have to use it. Hopefully, it’s just fun and games when we come in here, and train and sweat and make friends, that’s great. If not, even better.”
For more information on Lionheart, visit their website at lionheartlufkin.com or on their Facebook page.
