Women Learn Self-Defense for a Cause

The Brickyard at Marietta Station, Marietta's oldest "new" event space, set the scene for last night's Women's Self-Defense Class Fundraiser.

The fundraiser was organized by the founders of Assailant Control Technique (A.C.T.), a highly developed set of skills taught to inform and help protect against the risk of sexual assault and rape.

Approximately 18 participants, mostly women, learned to use acupuncture points, "backwards thinking," and simple martial arts moves to fend off attackers.

"Backward thinking" means that if an assailant pushes, you pull. If they pull, you push. You use their strength against them. For example, when they pull you come in, putting yourself in your power center, where you can follow through with a defensive attack. If they push you, you pull them into your power center (or flee if possible). Follow the path of least resistance, instructors advised.

Rather than throw a punch, which usually results in hand injury, instructors urged women to slap with the back of their hand. Unless you know how to hold your fist and throw a punch, it is best to avoid doing so.

Dan Hydrick, A.C.T. Founder, is an avid Martial Artist (7th Degree Black Belt, Korean Karate, 6th Degree Okinawan Karate and a Weapons Master) and has served as a National Chief Referee for the United States Amateur Athletics Union, Tae Kwon Do Associations and has gone on to develop a nationally recognized women's self-defense course known as A.C.T. Click here to visit A.C.T's Facebook page.

Jennifer Farmer is a licensed professional counselor that has 15 years' experience in counseling adolescents and adults in recovery, family problems, and resolving issues of sexual abuse and violence. She's the senior certified instructor for A.C.T. and a first-degree black belt in Chi Budo Kwon Martial Arts.

$500 of the fundraiser proceeds went to the Victoria Moon Family Assistance Fund.

According to husband Stephen Moon's journal, Victoria is making progress at the Shepherd Center in Atlanta where she's received care since arriving from Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago on Feb. 11. She had a nice Saturday visit from her children in the Shepherd Center garden. She has a busy week of therapies this week. You can read more of Victoria Moon's Journal by clicking here.