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0 of 3 Premium Clicks used this month SUBSCRIBE Print + Online Subscriber Activation | Register x Forgot Password | Need an Account? subscribe | newsletter | deals Classifieds Jobs Autos Real Estate FEATURED » NEWS NOW Ashland Calendar, Friday, July 10 ... More thunderstorms expected ... Stay out of the creek, officials warn ... Ashland Calendar, Friday, July 10 ... More thunderstorms expected ... Stay out of the creek, officials warn ... QUILLS & QUEUES Teen girls learn to fight back Comment By Angela Decker For the Tidings DailyTidings.com By Angela Decker For the Tidings Posted Feb. 26, 2015 at 7:12 PM Updated Feb 26, 2015 at 7:17 PM By Angela Decker For the Tidings Posted Feb. 26, 2015 at 7:12 PM Updated Feb 26, 2015 at 7:17 PM » Social News Some of the girls in Tyler Boyce’s class are reluctant to punch him, and that’s a problem he aims to fix. Boyce, who teaches self-defense at Ashland’s Flipside Studio, says reticence to hit is natural. “It’s so awkward to hit someone,” he said. “I have the kids move out of their comfort zone and hit me so they can break that barrier. It’s empowering.” Flipside, located in the former Briscoe school building, is a cooperative group of instructors and coaches who offer a variety of movement and fitness classes for kids and adults. Flipside is owned by Tamara Smith and Tracy John, both mothers with backgrounds in gymnastics and education. Classes include gymnastics, tumbling, yoga, capoeira, art and now self-defense. “Part of our mission is to empower young people and self-defense is a natural fit. This is knowledge everyone should have,” said Tamara Smith. “When a couple people from our church expressed an interest in self-defense classes, Tracy and I thought it was a great idea. The hardest part was finding an instructor who fit with our needs. Tyler is ideal. We didn't want a teacher that was all about kicks to the groin, we wanted someone who would focus on empowering kids and not introduce fear,” Smith said. “He’s also still young enough to connect with kids and relate to what they are going through at this age,” she added. Boyce, 27, is a double black belt in Kenpo with extensive training in Kung Fu and kickboxing. He also teaches Parkour, an activity involving moving very quickly through an area negotiating obstacles by jumping, climbing or running. Boyce started his martial-arts training early with his father, who is also a martial artist. “The self-defense techniques I like to share are just as much about avoiding unsafe situations as getting out of them,” Boyce said. He reminds students that awareness is the key to keeping safe, and their goal in an unsafe situation is to get away from the attacker or attackers. “When you are out in the world, you need to be aware of your surroundings and other people’s energy. Keep your eyes open and trust your gut,” said Boyce. When avoidance doesn't work, he instructs them on how to attack or escape. For example, if an attacker is wearing a jacket with a hood and is particularly close, yank the hood down over his eyes, kick him and run away. The monthly class for teen girls and women is mostly comprised of mothers and daughters. Emily Cartmell, age 15, says she appreciated the class a lot. “Tyler is a great teacher and I really feel like if I were in a situation, this instruction would come to mind.” Kristine Case, who was taking the class with her daughter, says all girls would benefit from Boyce’s class. “It’s a scary and complicated world we live in, and I think it’s great to have these skills, especially for teenage girls as they start to become more independent.” Tracy John notes that the class offers important lessons in a low-crime community like Ashland. “Our girls are soft. My daughter apologized when she hit Tyler. We don't want to scare our children but we also want them to be safe,” she said. Boyce agrees that it is easy to be complacent. “I tell girls that awareness is the key. If you are aware of the things that could cause you injury or harm and you avoid those things the best you possibly can, that will give you the best outcome for protecting yourself. With moms, I say the same thing, but mothers are the most aware people in the world,” he said, adding jokingly, “You don’t mess with the mama bear.” Monthly self-defense classes for girls, women, and families will resume in April. For more information, call 541-600-4386 or visit www.FlipSideAshland.com. Flipside Studios is at 265 N. Main Street, Nos. 5 and 6. Reach Ashland freelance writer Angela Decker at [email protected].   By Angela Decker For the Tidings DailyTidings.com By Angela Decker For the Tidings Posted Feb. 26, 2015 at 7:12 PM Updated Feb 26, 2015 at 7:17 PM » Comment or view comments Reader Reaction » STAY INFORMED Email NewsLetter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Southern Oregon Directory Featured Businesses Loading... 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