ST. JOHNS COUNTY, Fla. — A self-defense class will be hosted Saturday at Patriot Oaks Academy by Women Against Violent Encounters (W.A.V.E).
This is the same school that Tristyn Bailey attended.
“This is where we show our true colors and that we have each other’s back as a community is in a time of crisis," St. Johns County Sheriff Robert Hardwick said. "It takes a horrific event such as Tristyn Bailey’s murder to get back together, get back to work, and get that awareness out there."
The class will be held from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. and is for female students only. The class is offered for those girls in the 5th through 12th grades.
“All of our instructors are women instructors, defensive-tactic instructors," Hardwick said.
One of those instructors is St. Johns County Sheriff's Office Deputy Michelle Lima.
“When you see someone, even if it’s someone you know, that you may know or who may be in your personal space, tell them, ‘Get back! Stay away,’” Lima said.
Lima said you should take a defensive stance and do this if that person doesn't back up.
“Start hitting, start punching, put your head down. Use that hammer fist," Lima said. "Across the nose, across the chin, punch.”
You shouldn't just try to pull away if someone tries to grab you.
“Instead of trying to pull away, where you may not be able to outstrength the other person, but if you rotate your wrists towards their thumbs, you’ll break free every time," Lima said.
Girls should stay off their cell phones and not use headphones while walking outside. That's another tip from the Sheriff's Office for girls to be more aware of their surroundings.
According to a Facebook post, W.A.V.E is focused on teaching women threat awareness combined with basic self-defense techniques to respond to potential threats.
The program focuses on situational awareness, verbal commands, assertive and physical techniques.
W.A.V.E says participating girls will receive one-on-one training and practice with an all-woman team composed of SJSO, SAPD, and SABPD instructors.
"We want to empower women by building their confidence and providing the tools needed to protect themselves and their loved ones," said the Facebook post.
All 150 spots filled up late Wednesday afternoon, but Sheriff Hardwick says his department will schedule more classes for young girls in the future.
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