Second-degree black belt Sylvia Reed has been teaching a free self defense class for women in Boulder Creek this month, as one of her first classes after receiving her teaching certification.
Reed, who teaches Kenpo Karate at Lone Wolf Kenpo Academy in downtown Boulder Creek, said she’s offering the class because many people can’t afford to learn the basic skills of self defense.
“I don’t think self defense should have a price,” she said. “I want to give women that confidence. It was something I wanted (when I began training).
The 4-week self defense class incorporates what to do when an assailant grabs your wrist, attempts a choke hold, a bear hug from behind and what happens if you fall to the ground.
“We focus on running away,” Reed said. “I’m teaching women to get out of it.”
Reed, who has lived in the San Lorenzo Valley since 1987, trained under Aaron Kessler at SLV Kenpo for five years and under Grand Master Rick Alemany. She earned her teaching certificate in January and eventually hopes to open her own dojo.
“There are not many females who own dojos,” she said. “I decided I would open my own. Right now I am getting myself out there.”
Reed said some women may feel most comfortable training with a woman as their lead instructor and she hopes to fill that void in the market. She currently teaches several other classes and gives private lessons.
Reed said the March self defense class is nearly completed, but she is planning more throughout the county. For information: email
sy*************@gm***.com
or contact Lone Wolf Kenpo Academy, 13089 Central Avenue, in Boulder Creek.
