Flaco Guapo Media
SAN ANGELO – At Team Chip TDK’s women’s self-defense class, Program Director/ instructor, Nikita Kedrowski, informed the women in attendance with the following statics: one in three women will be assaulted; every two minutes, a woman is a victim of sexual assault; and three women are killed every day by an abusive partner.
“Several years ago after a couple of college women in Abilene were abducted, Chip Townsend (owner) decided it was a good idea to educate and empower women to defend themselves, thus the need to start a free-defense class for women,” said Kedrowksi.
Left: Nikita Kedrowski and right is daughter, Kyra both are two belts away from getting their black belts.
Nikita and daughter, Kyra, (both certified and two belts away from getting their black belts) tag-teamed last weekend to teach four women who showed up for their very first class on self-defense with Team Chip TKD (Tai Kwan Do).
“Our women’s self-defense classes are a free event that we offer to give back to our community while at the same time empower our ladies,” said Kedrowski.
One of the attendees was Sarahina who stated why she decided to take the self-defense class.
“Because a year ago I went to a bar and I was assaulted.” “I wanted to know how to protect myself should it ever occur again,” she said.
Nikita informed the women that Team TKD’s objectives are: to provide service to the community; and create a sense of “personal strength, self-confidence and I can do this.”
Nita also told the women three things to remember:
First, trust slowly. Meeting someone at an event does not mean that you know them.
Second, be aware. Remember where you parked; check in with your family and friends. And nothing really good happens after 1 p.m.
Third, do something that makes you feel good about who you are, whether it is taking a self-defense class or something else.
Nitka and Kyra had the four women go through some basic techniques: palm strikes, use of elbows as defense weapons that could be used in close range; also knees, back kicks and stomp the perpetrator with their feet.
Another type of defense technique was the wrist release (single hand grab makes circles, double the hand grab, reach in and pull through their thumbs); also, wrist release (followed by a back kick).
The free lessons are offered once a month on Saturdays from 1-2 p.m. The first class covers basically an introduction and is open to women 12-years and older. FMI call 325-949-1405 3512 Knickerbocker Rd.
Or visit the website at www.teamchiptkd.com