Photo By Cpl. Paul S. Martinez | Cpl. Ayarin Bennen, training noncommissioned officer, Headquarters Battalion, executes...... read more read more
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TWENTYNINE PALMS, Calif. - Female Marines with Headquarters Battalion participated in a self-defense class aboard the Combat Center at the Sergeant’s Course gym, Aug. 1, 2013.
The class was given as a part of the Female Marine Mentorship Program. The program aims to provide female Marines with mentorship through classes, resources and open discussion.
“The class today was given in light of the sexual assaults that the Marine Corps has been experiencing,” said Master Gunnery Sgt. Lawanda Hall, G-1 staff non-commissioned officer in charge, Headquarters Battalion.
The Marines were taught to effectively use defensive techniques if they are ever confronted by a potential assailant.
The strikes demonstrated include:
Uppercut: Targets the chin.
Jab/cross combo: Can target the nose or throat, and be followed with a cross.
Elbow smash: Targets the forehead down to the nose.
Snap kick: Targets the groin area, can be followed with an upperbody strike
Push kick: Targets the groin area and pushes attacker away.
Side kick: 45-degree angle downward kick directed to the calf, bringing down the attacker.
“A lot of different martial arts claim to be the best at self-defense. I’m an advocate of Muay Thai, a striking martial art,” said Mark M. Geletko, Fight Club 29 coach.
“With the Marine Corps’ focus on sexual assault prevention, I think this is a good workshop to show these young ladies how to keep out of a crisis,” Geletko said.
Pfc. Ruthiea Johnson, administration clerk, Headquarters Battalion, was among the Marines participating in the class.
“I feel this is important because there might be that one person who might try something, and if the (victim) doesn’t know anything, they will be helpless,” Johnson said.
After the Marines received an explanation and demonstration of the techniques, they turned to practical application, utilizing training pads to execute the strikes.
Seaman Kylie Guest, surgical technician, Robert E. Bush Naval Hospital, was a demonstrator for the strikes.
“I volunteered because it’s something I’m really passionate about,” Guest said. “Women’s self-defense can be a life or death situation.”
“I want (these women) to get confidence,” Guest said. “No one likes to go out and be worried.”
“It’s my hope and desire that the program will take loop across the installation,” Hall said. “This input comes from female staff non-commissioned officers and female officers to address issues and points of interest for all female Marines.”
| Date Taken: | 08.09.2013 |
| Date Posted: | 08.10.2013 12:39 |
| Story ID: | 111762 |
| Location: | MARINE CORPS AIR GROUND COMBAT CENTER TWENTYNINE PALMS, CA, US |
| Web Views: | 93 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
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