The summer months are among us which means trail walks, biking, rollerblading and just being out and about enjoying the warm weather. This is all great but you should make sure you are doing all of the above with street smarts and awareness.

On Sat June 23 at 9 a.m., North branch Tae Kwon Do & Kickboxing instructor Heath Fonnest will be teaching free women's self-defense classes.

The class will be almost entirely action packed with effective self-defense. "I started teaching women self-defense classes after my sister was attacked and brutally beaten just miles from here between Stacy and North Branch. If it wasn't for a biker, she would probably not be here today!"

The class will consist of attacks from the front and behind, pinned against walls, pinned down to the floor, timed attacks and surprise attacks throughout the class.

Fonnest holds a 4th degree Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do and is the current IKF United States Light Welterweight Champion in Full Contact Kickboxing. With over 20 years of martial arts experience Fonnest knows what it takes for self-defense to be done correct and be very effective.

Tips for women:

• Listen and act on your intuition. It's better to be safe and risk a little embarrassment, then stay in an uncomfortable situation that may not be safe.

• Always lock your car.

• You have a better chance of surviving if you do everything in your power to avoid being taken to a second crime scene.

• Maintain a steady pace; a confident alert posture can discourage an attacker.

• Don't walk anywhere alone in the dark.

• Know your emergency key on your cell phone or have 911 dialed in ready to send when walking by yourself.

• Always be in alert state. Alcohol will lower your awareness dramatically!

• Only place house numbers on your mail box and try not to keep a regular schedule of when you leave and arrive at home.

• Remember, any weapon you carry may be used against you.

Classes will be held at North Branch Tae Kwon Do & Kickboxing located on the corner of 95 and 7th Ave. in North Branch. The class will last 1 1?2 to 2 hrs. If you would like more information or would like to reserve spots for the class please call (651) 303-2705. Classes will fill quickly and more classes may be added if needed. Company or business women S-D classes are also available upon request.

Top of Page

©ECM Post Review

6448 Main Street
North Branch, MN 55056
Telephone: 651-674-7025
Fax: 651-674-7026
E-mail: editor.postreview@ecm-inc.com