Protect Yourself Workshops in Phoenix Area
By David A. Avila
Protecting the neighborhood even affects world champions.
Legendary world champion Christy Martin and Elena Reid are combining their strength along with some MMA brothers and the Phoenix Police Dept. to lend a hand in protecting the Phoenix neighborhoods, especially in the Maryvale area.
A self-defense workshop takes place on Saturday morning at the Maryvale Family YMCA located at 3825 N. 67th Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85033. A donation of $5 is requested that goes toward the YMCA Boxing Scholarship Fund.
Spikes in violent criminal activity have occurred recently in the Maryvale area and experts were called in to help out.
Who better than boxing great Christy “The Coalminer’s Daughter” Martin can talk about fighting or self-protection. As a boxer she was considered one of the greatest female fighters of all time. The Boxing Writers Association of America recently named the new Fighter of the Year award after her.
“It’s an incredible honor,” said Martin recently.
Martin will be talking to residents and anyone interested in learning about self-defense and protecting your loved ones.
She will have plenty of help on Saturday morning.
Elena (Reid) Steinbeiss , the Sports and Family director at the Maryvale Y, is also a former boxing world champion. It was Steinbeiss who conceived the idea to gather all these forces including many MMA stars such as CB Dollaway, Ryan Bader, Jesse Forbes, Ray Steinbeiss, Steve Steinbeiss, Jesse Moreng, John Moraga, Jade Porter, and Brendan Tierene for this event.
It’s a very impressive array of professional fighters volunteering to give their time to the residents of the area.
Some of the things they will be talking about include:
how to 1) fight and get off your back—most fights and physical attacks end up with victim on their back 2) escape a hold 3) execute a basic knee strike 4) The Phx PD will be teaching how to strike with an open fist. 5) Participants will be briefed on basic CPR for Adults, Children and Infants
The second half of the workshop, Phoenix Police will explain what to do in an “active shooter situation.”
All tactics will be taught with the goal of getting away from a bad situation. We do not aim to a build false sense of security but to empower individuals with confidence and the skills to handle various kinds of attacks. The tactics that will be taught are basic and effective.
The workshops begin at 10:30 a.m. and end at 12:30 p.m.
To register by phone call 623) 873-9622 or through email elena.steinbeiss@vosymca.org
For sponsorship information call (602) 212 6159.
Free daycare is available for the workshop.