Ocean City School Staff Learn Self-Defense

OCEAN CITY, NJ — A day of professional development gave Ocean City School District teachers and staff the chance to learn some self-defense.

On a recent professional development day at Ocean City High School, Steve McGee, co-owner and instructor of 609 Jiu-Jitsu in Egg Harbor Township, taught self-defense to teachers and staff. The opportunity was provided through a wellness grant from the Southern Coastal Regional Employee Benefits Fund.

“It was a pretty cool aspect, teaching the teachers,” said McGee, who offered four one-hour sessions throughout the day. “We love helping the community and instructing others how to defend themselves and their loved ones. The most important thing to remember is situational awareness. Always know your surroundings and the settings you are getting into.”

The classes were broken into four segments: stand up and base, breaking falls, grab and choke defenses, and a rape prevention and situational scenarios talk. The program aimed to enhance the safety, mental health and overall well-being of teachers, staff and administrators by equipping them with practical skills to protect themselves in potentially dangerous situations.

The classes also were intended to develop emotional resilience and a sense of empowerment, contributing to a positive school culture and environment. McGee said the warm-up and self-defense techniques can continue to be practiced at home.

“We are delighted to offer self-defense training to our teachers and staff,” said Christian Angelillo, Superintendent of Schools. “Besides improving health and well-being, reducing stress and building confidence, learning self-defense techniques can provide additional tools to feel confident in the event of an emergency.”

The district will invite 609 Jiu-Jitsu to return in the fall to provide teachers and staff with a follow-up class.