Class will emphasize awareness as well as physical techniques
Kirkwood Community College will offer a course on personal safety and smart responses to potentially dangerous people and situations. The “Basic Street Self-Defense” class is offered through Kirkwood’s Continuing Education division beginning Sunday, Nov. 1.
Kirkwood Dean of Students Bob Burnes is a veteran martial arts trainer and skilled instructor in self-defense and personal safety. He says the topic comes up frequently in classes and in general discussions with students and neighbors.
“I have been asked many times over the years about what people should do if they are threatened or attacked. I have designed this Basic Street Self-Defense class that will show how to respond effectively to the most common street attack scenarios. I also emphasize that being safer and better prepared in uncertain situations is probably more mental than physical. We will work on physical responses, for sure. But this course will be a combination of fitness and a great deal of awareness,” Burnes said.
The class is scheduled from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Sunday mornings in the Lincoln Learning Center Gym, 912 18th Avenue SW in Cedar Rapids. The class begins November 1, 2009 and will require no special equipment. “This will be a skill-building class, not a hard aerobic workout,” Burnes added.
The class number is CRMA-905-STO01. Participants may call to register through Kirkwood Continuing Education, (319) 398-1022.
Bob Burnes can address questions at his main campus office, (319) 398-5584.