Students at North Battleford Comprehensive High School had the opportunity to learn self-defense techniques during their physical education classes last week.
"It was brought down through the grapevine that this was being done in Saskatoon," said physical education teacher Jamie Sommerfeld, adding the special classes were a good way to mix up the regular routine.
"It's good for self-defense and for staying active," said Sommerfeld.
The classes were taught by Clay McNally, an NBCHS graduate who started his own company offering self-defense classes, school and group programs and private lessons.
"It's not taught by anybody," said McNally, a former RCMP member. "Most people don't even know how to throw a proper punch."
McNally, who is a Level 3 coach, certified by the National Coaching Certification Program, explains the classes incorporate techniques from various martial arts disciplines, including kick boxing, tae kwon do and krav maga, as well as aspects of the RCMP training program.
Highlights of the student's experience included learning how to disarm a knife-wielding attacker.
For more information, visit www.inchargeselfdefense.com.
