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Common-sense defense Rogue Valley seniors learn protective moves and street-smart behavior in Medford karate classes that focus on techniques for risky situations By JOHN DARLING They may not be able to kick like Bruce Lee, but they can divert a blow or break a choke-hold � and protect themselves against attack. A group of seniors from Rogue Valley Manor recently learned simple techniques of self-defense at a new class at Chip Wright�s Karate studio designed especially for them. The purpose is not to win a fight against an attacker, instructors say, but to lift seniors out of the sitting-duck category, provide them with confidence and street smarts, and teach them how to escape from a dangerous situation, said Wright. About the classes Chip Wright�s Karate presents monthly self-defense classes at Rogue Valley Manor. It also offers "Community Self-Defense" classes every third Friday. These are basic self-protection classes and not a martial arts regimen. All ages are welcome to the community class, and seniors will be broken out into a separate group for instruction. Call 772-1576 to register. Street smarts are defensive tactics such as parking near the entrance to a building, checking before stepping outside, parking under lights, walking with car keys between your fingers for use in slashing or punching, and walking with an air of confidence that says, "don�t mess with me," says instructor Terral Adams. Karate is good for mental vitality, introducing self-discipline and new learning challenges that "shake things up" in a mind accustomed to daily routine, she says. The Rogue Valley Manor seniors responded to the challenge with relish, fending off the choke-holds and blows of Adams and fellow instructor Richard Dodge. They learned how to claw at an attacker�s eyes or strike his nose with the heel of their hands. They also learned to use jewelry as a weapon, to guard their own center line (face, gut, groin) and to remember to use their voice to attract help. "A lot of people think of seniors as vulnerable and will take advantage of them if they can," said Dodge. "Attackers are looking for the weakest people they can find. An attacker wants control of the situation and we�re trying to deny him that." The seniors cast aside their feelings of powerlessness as they learned how to break a bear hug from behind. You just stomp on the attacker�s foot, they learned, head-butt him by throwing your head back and then either raise both arms or jab him with both elbows. "I thought it was great," said student Joan Egli, "and I�ll use it � if I can keep my wits about me." Egli has been carrying car keys gripped between her fingers for years, she said. "It was very educational," said Lu Hutton, "but I doubt I�ll use it because I just don�t go out at night or where any attack might happen." "A lot depends on your attitude," said Don Carmean. "If you look vulnerable, you�re going to be a good target." Ada Hibbard, manor recreation director said, "Seniors very much need this because people consider seniors vulnerable. "They feel a lot better if they think they can defend themselves." John Darling is a free-lance writer living in Ashland. E-mail him at [email protected] . Mail Tribune Home | Ottaway Newspapers, Inc. | Dow Jones & Co., Inc. | Privacy | Contact Us Copyright � 2001 Mail Tribune, Inc.