Self-defense classes encouraged this time of year

by Nick Delgado

Guam - Disturbing reports in recent months about residents becoming victims of horrific crimes and assaults has prompted some in the community to arm themselves with the proper techniques to defend themselves if they get into a situation where someone wants to harm them. Being proactive rather than reactive could just save your life.  It's advice that self-defense instructor Andy Lee tells all of his students.

"The great thing about the class that I teach is anybody with little or no martial arts experience can come in and get something out of it and in a real world scenario be able to use those techniques and skills after only one class," he explained. Lee has studied martial arts for more than 20 years. He also served as a martial arts instructor in the U.S. Marine Corps.

Lee says his classes are aimed at all walks of life, telling KUAM News, "These techniques are very basic with little or no injury to the person studying it, and it's effective because of the mentality we bring to the class as well as giving the people that come the feeling of empowerment."

Despite what some may think, Lee says his classes aren't about boxing or MMA. "It's real-life techniques that are effective and one thing is I do not teach people how to punch that should be the last thing of someone who boxed before but doing it incorrectly you can hurt yourself. We do a lot of open hand strikes and close range strikes and a lot of evasive techniques any person can learn and do," he said.

And ‘tis the season for shopping and lee says being vigilant and trained to deal with whatever criminal may choose to come your way is the key to not becoming a victim.

Michelle Taitano has seen the news of recent violent crimes and decided to join the self-defense class to know how to handle a situation. "It's always especially in the season and especially because of the Mafnas homicide; that's concerning, so just want to learn a few more things," she stated. "A lot of defense is prevention about 95 percent to include awareness and use your senses to be more aware everywhere you go all the time."

Lee's self-defense class is offered every Tuesday at 7pm at Synergy Studios in East Hagatna.