Women of all ages can learn critical self defense

About 11 years ago on a warm summer day, I was attacked by a homeless woman in Chicago.

I had just left a sleepover party in the city's Little Italy neighborhood, and this woman said some gibberish to me, then started pulling my backpack, trying to take it away from me.

I hit her in the face with the wooden handle of my umbrella, but not as hard as I should have.

She got angry and punched me in the face. I yelled and screamed, attracting neighbors' attention and I refused to let go of my bag.

Luckily, the police arrived right then and subdued her. I was shaken and slightly bruised, but otherwise fine.

This is an incident I rarely think of, but when I was assigned to cover and participate in the Fight Like A Girl self-defense class at Focus Martial Arts and Fitness in Lake in the Hills, the memory of that attack came back.

Shannon Mahoney, the class's instructor, led a three- hour class that attracted 15 women, including mothers and daughters, friends, singles and people who have survived prior attacks.

Four instructors designated as "good bad guys," served as our attackers and punching bags.

Jerry Kalinsky, one of the instructors designated as a "good bad guy" told me he's so passionate about the class because he's got a young daughter at home and wants to ensure that she has the tools she needs to defend herself.

Mahoney showed us how to hit and kick someone in scenarios on the ground and standing up. She told us to hit them like you mean it. Hit them to hurt them before they can hurt you.

And while you're doing this, yell as loud as you can to attract attention.

If you'd like to take this class, call Focus Martial Arts and Fitness at (847) 458-0938, or send an e-mail to flag@joltmail.com.

At the end of the class, Mahoney left me with a list of tips that I'll share with you:

• Never let him take you to another location, because your chances of survival decrease when that occurs.

• Don't hesitate. Once you're forced to defend yourself, use everything you have available to you -- yell, kick, strike or throw something. And once you start, don't stop.

• Have a plan and run "what if" scenarios.

• Don't be an easy victim, as attackers look for the weakness in you. Draw attention and surprise him with a fight.

• If you're assaulted, report it to authorities. Call 911 and preserve all physical evidence -- don't shower or brush your teeth -- and get emotional support. You can call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at (800) 656-HOPE, the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence at (800) 799-SAFE or the National Center for Victims of Crime at (800)394-2255.

Reminder:ŒDon't forget to tune into WMAQ-TV this week to see Algonquin's own Rockne and Collin Brubaker take the ice with their partners during the US Figure Skating Championships.

Rockne, a pairs skater, will be skating Wednesday and Saturday. Collin, an ice dancer, is scheduled to skate Thursday for the final time. Check your local listings for exact times.