Free Self Defense Class Offered in Woodstock

Being confident and aware of your surroundings and having a few tactics to use in case you face a violent attack is the mission of Best Defense Illinois.

"It's not about being scared, it's about being prepared," said self-defense expert Joe Rosner who will lead a free class this Saturday. "It is a serious topic but we actually have a lot of fun with it."

The class will be offered from noon to 2 p.m. March 12 at the Martial Arts Club in Woodstock, 686 S. Eastwood Drive (Route 47). It is open to men and women age 16 and older from any community.

"The training will help people feel comfortable going anywhere," Rosner said. "We focus on awareness and avoidance components. People who are more aware and feel more confident actually can prevent a violent incident from happening to them in the first place."

Rosner has spent the last decade sharing these strategies through books, classes and now he is producing a video on the techniques. Particpants in the class on Saturday will be part of his video.

With a background in the military, law endorcement and as a professional body guard, Rosner said he has real world techniques and strategies for people. He has a few black belts in martial arts, but said his earliest and best training came when he was young.

"I grew up on the South Side of Chicago," he said, "so that sparked an early interest in self-defense."

He is passionate about empowering people to feel confident in any situation. "We teach people what to do if they are attacked, and also how to avoid the attack," he said.

His company, Best Defense Illinois, provides classes for children several times a year through various park districts, such as the . One of his three books is written for children. He also focuses on training specific to certain professionas, such as real estate agents.

"As workplace violence continues to happen, this is something we all need to know how to handle," Rosner said. "People come away from the class feeling more confiddent in their ability to predict and avoid danger."

The publishing arm of his company, Best Defense USA, will publish the video made during the class this Saturday. For more information, visit bestdefenseillinois.com or call 815-648-4601.