Video: Patch Editor and Her Daughter Go At It

I’ve had many bonding moments with my daughter Shannon over her nearly 18 years of life, but one rather extraordinary one happened on Thursday, when I went to visit her gym class as she and her female classmates were being taught self-defense.

Police and Student Resource Officer Joe Hale, along with Matt VonWolput, owner of , taught the class in tandem, showing the girls how to keep themselves out of sticky situations, and handle themselves if they got into one. VonWolput used acronyms like ARM—avoid, resolve, manage—and ETGS—which can mean either escape to gain safety or eyes, throat, groin and shin—to help the girls remember exactly what they should do if they find themselves being attacked.

Both teachers admonished the girls to be aware of their surroundings at all times.

“If you’re talking on your cell phone and fishing through your purse for your keys, you’re not paying attention, and that’s when someone will hit you,” Hale said.

“Pay attention to where you are and what’s happening around you, especially if you’re in a dark place or in a parking lot,” VonWolput added.

After some demonstration from the instructors, the girls got to try out their skills on each other. And since I was there, Shannon got to try them out on me! At one point, she got me pretty good in the chin (watch about 11 seconds into the video). It startled me, which is exactly what it’s supposed to do to an attacker.

While several people cracked the expected jokes about Shannon being able to take all her frustrations out on her mother, I think Shannon and I had a great time together. But most important, I think a lot of girls learned a very valuable skill at a time in their life when it will be most helpful to them.

Thanks to Joe, Matt and Shannon, for teaching me a thing or two!