Self-defense class is held at the library

By Anne Eickstadt

ANNE EICKSTADT PHOTO Belvidere Republican
With mom Danielle on her right and sister Whitley, age 15, on her left, Kaegan Freeman-Russell, age 12, gives a fierce shout as she strikes out against her self-defense instructor at the Ida Public Library.

Editor

“January was Stalking Awareness Month,” said Mindy Long of the Ida Public Library. “So we asked if they (Remedies Renewing Lives of Rockford) would come back to talk with us again. A lot of people have been talking about self-defense so that’s what we requested Remedies to present today (Saturday, March 30).

“Being aware of your surroundings and being able to defend yourself provides empowerment for everyone. If you walk around staring at the ground, it shows you have no self-confidence. If you continuously text while you walk, you are not aware of who and what is around you.”

“You’re biggest weapon is your voice,” the instructor told us. “Yell loudly as you go into your defensive stance, “Stay Back!” This notifies everyone around that something is wrong and you feel threatened. Yell “No!” as you strike out. This tightens and supports your diaphragm and makes your strike stronger.”

Remedies Renewing Lives of Rockford:

Remedies is the only domestic violence shelter and advocacy agency in Winnebago and Boone counties. Each year Remedies serves over 1,500 victims of domestic violence, roughly 20 percent of them are children.

Remedies substance abuse programs serve an additional…

For complete article, pick up the April 11 Belvidere Republican.