News stories about robberies, kidnapping, and rape are shown in copious amounts on many news channels and on social media. These range from kidnapper sightings in Walmart to murders on Halloween night. This topic needs addressing despite the horrible nature of these crimes because terrible things have happened even in Union and the surrounding areas. In order to prevent things atrocities from taking place (or at least mitigate them), Union residents and people everywhere should at least try a self-defense class of some form. Although no self-defense class is offered in Union, many of the surrounding areas offer places where Union residents can train in various forms of self-defense.
In today’s world, self-defense is a necessity. When robbed or attacked, an attacker will usually be both bigger and stronger. Without the proper training, a smaller, weaker person will almost never successfully defend themselves. In many martial arts and self-defense systems, size and strength does not determine the outcome a self-defense situation; training gives vital skills to countering greater size and strength. This can be especially useful for women, the elderly, and children. Furthermore, self-defense training often times trains people in weapon disarms as well, and due to the high number of crimes committed with weapons, this is an extremely useful skill. In addition to the self-defense skills offered by martial arts, many self-defense systems also provide excellent workouts without compromising practicality. They also give mental health benefits and help children learn how to handle bullies.
Although Union does not have any local self-defense class (although we desperately need one), many of the surrounding areas offer various forms of self-defense classes. The closest of these is located in Philadelphia at the Philadelphia Athletic Club. Eddie Sellers teaches Shotokan Karate and has taught in Philadelphia since the 1980s. In Meridian, Black Eagle Martial Arts teaches Han Mu Do and some other classes. The Gracie 601 Academy at 24/7 Shape Up also teaches Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai Kickboxing, and Krav Maga. The Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu involves grappling and is paired with Muay Thai to learn striking. Krav Maga is an Israeli self-defense system developed for Israel’s military and focuses on “dirty fighting” tactics. This is extremely effective across all ages. The Gracie 601 Academy also offers a children’s Jiu-Jitsu class.
Although Union currently does not offer a self-defense class, the surrounding areas offer many options for Union residents. Self-defense is a vital skill that everyone would benefit from in many ways—self-defense, fitness, mental health benefits. These skills keep people from becoming victims. This may not prevent all violent crimes, but these skills will give everyone a fighting chance.
Matt Hennington covers Union’s community news. Contact him at mch.2000@hotmail.com
