Seniors learn the art of safety

Primitizo Cervantes does not need a cane to get around, but he feels safer pretending he does.

He is learning to use it as a weapon if he is attacked. At 67, he worries about that.

"I carry it just in case," Cervantes said. "Half of us don't need the cane; we fake it as some kind of protection. We don't know what can happen ... It's always good to learn something that someday we might need."

Cervantes has been attending senior self-defense classes for more than two months at the Paradise Community Center, 4775 S. McLeod Drive, taught by 63-year-old martial arts expert and security guard Doug McLeod.

Classes are scheduled to resume Jan. 11 and continue every from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Friday at the center. McLeod said he is trying to start classes at other local community centers in the coming months. The classes are free and open to the public. CareMore Medical Group sponsors the classes at the Paradise Community Center.

Five men and four women attended the Dec. 14 class, where McLeod answered self-defense questions and gave demonstrations of defense tactics.

McLeod explained how to "dress for combat" by always wearing a belt, preferably with a large buckle, that could be used as a weapon, or by carrying a large, heavy keychain as a potential weapon. Several in attendance showed off their giant keychains they recently assembled, one of which included a small rock hammer.

When being attacked, McLeod said, the eyes and groin are usually the best places to strike. But McLeod repeatedly told the class that avoiding dangerous situations is the best defense.

John Kenney, 74, has put that advice to use since he started attending classes about six months ago.

"The protection and awareness are really the most important part," Kenney said. "After you listen to (McLeod), you become very aware you better be a little more secure in your environment."

Kenney said he used to park f arther away in store parking lots to avoid congestion but has begun to park in the more crowded areas for safety. Like Cervantes, Kenney did not own a cane before taking the class. He started borrowing his wife's when he left the house and eventually bought himself one.

"Don't put yourself in the victim's seat if possible," Kenney said. " The biggest thing is ... taking yourself out of the risk factor."

For more information, email McLeod at mauitao@aol.com or call 702-785-1455.

Contact View education reporter Jeff Mosier at jmosier@viewnews.com or 702-224-5524.