MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- While some are spreading the word about domestic violence during Domestic Violence Awareness Month, others are learning the valuable skills to help them fight back.
Marines and civilians coordinated a self-defense class in light of Domestic Violence Awareness Month at IronWorks Gym here Saturday.
The class was the first in a series of classes slated to be held during the month of October to help adults build confidence to defend themselves against an aggressor during an attack.
According to Chief Warrant Officer 2 Sergio Esquivel, second-degree black belt and instructor in the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program, the class was coordinated to help adults learn how to defend themselves in some of the most common types of scenarios.
“Usually, there are particular things that people are going to try to do if they try to mug someone or try some sort of sexual assault,” said Esquivel. “They are going to try to grab certain way and this class will help prepare someone for those different scenarios.”
Sgt. Rajiv Douglas, firstdegree black belt in MCMAP, and Gunnery Sgt. Raymond Sawejko, brown belt in MCMAP, assisted Esquivel in teaching, explaining and demonstrating various self-defense techniques used to defend against grabs and attacks from all directions.
The Marines incorporated different movements from several styles of martial arts including MCMAP, jujitsu, Krav Maga, and judo throws.
According to Esquival, in the heat of the moment it doesn’t matter what techniques a person uses, as long as the techniques are used properly and effectively.
“We go over an array of different techniques,” said Esquivel. “They show someone how to react in case of an attack.”
The Marines demonstrated elbow strikes, kicks, grabs and knee jabs, then the Marines held bags as class participants practiced against them.
Each participant also received feedback and guidance on proper techniques to improve performance.
“It’s a great way to empower individuals who may find themselves in a place where they need to defend themselves one day,” said Gina Kropiewnicki, class participant. “These skills are just good for any person to know.”
As the class continued, participants seemed to gain more confidence in their abilities.
Some even found abilities they did not know they possessed when Esquivel demonstrated to the class how to perform a jujitsu throw on a possible attacker approaching a victim from behind.
Once the participants learned the proper technique, they were able to find strength and confidence in their ability to defend themselves.
“I liked being able to flip someone over my body,” said Kropiewnicki. “That was really the most empowering piece of the class.”
With practice, each participant had the skills down and became amazed at the power of force they were able to apply.
“It was amazing to find that I could flip a 24-year-old male Marine just by positioning my body a certain way and using proper technique,” said Kropiewnicki.
The next class is slated to be held at IronWorks Gym here Saturday.