vSELF oke Jackson teaching a class – photo by Empower Fitness DEFENSE continued from page 13 and empowered outside of class,” Bobbi says. Brooke definitely thinks that you have to feel confident and find that in the class as well. “Do things that are empowering for yourself. Doubt will get you hurt.” If you’re interested in learning self-defense, find the best option that works best for you and here are some parting tips to remember. n 1. Trust your instincts 2. Don’t make yourself an accessible target 3. Present yourself with confidence 4. Set strong verbal boundaries 5. Maintain a non-confrontational stance 6. Keep a safe distance 7. Use the element of surprise 8. Keep your techniques simple 9. Don’t panic if you’re knocked down 10. Follow through 25-35 officers every 6 months around South Dakota and then went on to teach women and non-security personnel. From there she went on to become a Training Specialist for the entire state and then worked as an Armed Field Agent with parole for the DOC. For both of them, their past experiences made them want to empower others by sharing their knowledge of self-defense. Bobbi found Damsel in Defense and is a Damsel Safety Trainer and for the past year and a half, Brooke has been teaching selfdefense classes through Empower Fitness. Bobbi is not a certified self-defense instructor but she is able to teach everyone how to use the products she sells. “My goal by the end of the day is to make sure everyone walks out of there feeling equipped, empowered, and educated.” But the best product varies depending on the person. “It’s a matter of their comfort level.” For Brooke, she feels it’s “important that women educate themselves.” Her classes are for anyone, 8 Piece Nativity Set regardless of ability or age. “I’ve had 8 year olds to 80 year olds who have taken my class.” Learning self-defense, Brooke says, is about technique and mindset and that it’s definitely more mental than physical. “Women can empower each other.” Both Bobbi and Brooke suggest finding the right class that fits you. “If you feel comfortable Christian Books, Bibles, Cards & Gifts and confident in a class, you will feel confident Come Let Us Adore Him Yankton Mall • 665.7484 Trust Your Family... To Our Family Guiding and serving families with compassion and trust. 18vHERVOICEvNOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2018 Funeral Home & Crematory, Yankton Memorial Resource Center, Tyndall Memorial Chapels, Tabor, Menno & Tyndall 665-9679 | 1-800-495-9679 www.opsahl-kostelfuneralhome.com