Women learn self-defense tips

More than 34 girls and women age 14 and older responded with enthusiasm Feb. 2 to the three hours of self-defense, fresh sushi and food from JuRin of South Elgin, and information on personal safety and home safety hosted by Kim's Black Belt Academy of Huntley.

"This was our first endeavor at adding a theme to the self-defense information we introduce to the community," said Rick Bjorkquist, chief instructor at the academy.

"Program director Margaret Kim and myself started by re-examining the idea of women's self-defense and trying to make it not so intimidating to the women of the area. Eventually, the theme of 'Sushi and Self-Defense' developed and it took on a life of its own," Bjorkquist said.

Included in those attending were mothers and daughters, women from Provena Health Care in Elgin, female students of the Elgin and Huntley academies, and even a group who are connected through the local Huntley Neighbors Web site.

Many shared stories with the group, citing examples from their own past, where if they had the information they learned at the seminar, things might have happened differently.

The seminar ended with all participants breaking a board using just their hand.

"The reason we finished the seminar this way is it is very empowering to accomplish something you previously thought as impossible," Bjorkquist said.

With a structured system of simple techniques, any woman can learn what to do, and also develop the determination to complete the techniques to their full potential.

In conjunction with the "Sushi and Self-Defense" seminar, Kim's Black Belt Academy of Huntley will offer a four-week self-defense class on Saturdays, March 3-28, at the Huntley location.

For information on enrollment in the class and tuition, call (847) 669-6030.