Women learn self-defense tactics at valley classes

Violence against women shows no signs of stopping in Nevada.

Last year, the nonprofit group Violence Policy Center released a report that ranked Nevada as No. 1 nationwide in domestic violence killings by men against women.

In addition, there are 1,678 registered sex offenders living in Las Vegas as of last year, according to city-data.com. With violence against women on the rise, Southern Nevada businesses have created women’s self-defense classes.

WOMEN LEARN STREET TACTICS

“I started a self-defense class for women because my friend was attacked by a serial rapist years ago,” said Daniel Jackson, chief instructor at The DoJang World Training Center, 10525 S. Eastern Ave., Suite 100, Henderson. “Her whole life changed.”

After his friend’s experience, Jackson created the First Instinct Street Tactics self-defense system, or F.I.S.T., which focuses on simple strikes, chokes and ground control designed to reduce immediate danger.

“The program is directly specialized in using techniques to get a person off of you quickly and away from danger,” Jackson said. “Although pepper spray could work, I specialize in what people walk with 100 percent of the time: their arms and legs.”

Classes take place from 9 to 10:15 a.m. every Saturday and are divided into four-week courses, with a test given during the fifth class. Students can opt to take advanced training. The program’s regular price is $120, but for October, the cost is $80. For more information, visit thedojang.com or call 702-933-0200.

PERSONAL SAFETY CLASS RAISES AWARENESS

Gwen Eaton teaches a women’s personal safety class at The Gun Store, 2900 E. Tropicana Ave. The $30 classes are scheduled from 1 to 4 p.m. on the first Friday of each month.

Eaton teaches women the skills to avoid, escape and defend themselves against violent assaults. She goes over the importance of awareness and techniques, such as pepper-spray training.

Eaton also has women draw a diagram of their house so she can find a safe room for each student.

“It’s so important for women to be aware,” Eaton said. “I’m not talking about being paranoid. Predators want an easy victim, not someone they have to fight with.”

Dawn Sapien took the class because she lives in a “sketchy” neighborhood, and her husband wants her to be prepared in case she has any altercations.

“I’ve had several instances when I was being watched,” Sapien said. “They’ve been bad enough to make me feel uncomfortable to go home. There are always people loitering in my neighborhood.”

In addition, Eaton teaches a shooting class for women. She goes over firearm safety, instruction and hands-on training. She helps women find a gun that will fit the size of their hand comfortably and goes over proper loading and unloading techniques.

The class is scheduled from 6 to 8 p.m. every Thursday and costs $60 if equipped with a gun or $70 if a rental is needed. For more information, visit thegunstorelasvegas.com or call 702-454-1110.

JIUJITSU ALLOWS AN EDGE ON THE GROUND

Carlson Gracie Team Cavalcanti Jiu Jitsu at 6360 S. Pecos Road, Suite 10, specializes in teaching Brazilian jiujitsu to women. Classes teach them how to escape, hold, control and force an opponent to the ground.

“Women learn to fight from the ground, because most women end up on the floor (when attacked),” said Frances Cavalcanti, co-owner of Cavalcanti Jiu Jitsu.

In addition, women who sign up for the class can receive membership to the Ricardo Cavalcanti Carlson Gracie Team, which includes multiple classes and belt promotions.

Classes are held from 7 to 8 p.m. Monday and Wednesday and noon to 2 p.m. Saturday. Prices for classes vary per month but range from $60 to $125. For more information, visit rcjiujitsu.com or call 702-478-9230.

PROGRAM TO TEACH MARTIAL ARTS, FITNESS

A women’s empowerment program is set to launch on Sept. 28 at the Cultural Arts Training Foundation center, 6368 W. Sahara Ave.

The purpose of the program is to prevent and reduce physical abuse and physical assaults on women. Students will learn martial arts and fitness. In addition, each class will feature a 15- to 30-minute support group to deal with emotional or mental issues.

“The goal of the program is to bring awareness, advocacy and classes to help women who have been a victim of assault or rape,” said Andre Haynes, publicist for the foundation.

Women and members of The Rape Crisis Center are able to attend the program for free, but after the launch of the program, nonmembers will be charged $100 a month.

“This program addresses two crucial parts for victims of trauma, domestic violence or rape,” said Lance Parvin, director and instructor for the program. “The first part focuses on Pilates and yoga (for internal healing) and the second part focuses on realistic self-defense to build up confidence in women. This is a simple yet effective program.”

Classes are scheduled from 6 to 7 p.m. Monday and Wednesday. For more information, visit culturalartstraining.org or call 702-335-0020.

Contact Sunrise/Whitney View reporter Sandy Lopez at slopez@viewnews.com or 702-383-4686.