Martial arts school offers self-defense course

Mast Khechen School of Tae Kwon Do will host a self-defense workshop to educate the public about general self-defense, date rape and other abuse issues.

There are two dates scheduled for workshops. The first is from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 3 at the 1630 Hopkins Road location. The second is from 7 to 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 9 at the 1200 Kenmore Ave.

Space is limited, reservations are required. The fee is $10 and will be donated to Women and Children's Foundation and the "Kick for Life 2007" fundraiser. To register, call 875-0560.

"Date rape and all types of sexual abuse continue to be a growing problem in many communities," W. Khechen, owner of the school, said. "My school is lending its support to improve the safety and security of our community and to fight date rape through this awareness campaign and an emphasis on self-defense and physical fitness for girls, teens and women. Having the skills to defend yourself are the best proactive tools any woman - or man - can learn to reduce the likelihood of being a victim."

According to Khechen, more than 300,000 women in the United States reported being raped in the previous 12 months in a 2003 study. Strangers commit only 18 percent of assaults, with 76 percent of sexually assaulted women falling victim to a current or former husband, partner, friend or date.

"Self-defense training is one of the core traditions of our school's curriculum, helping women to develop their physical and mental conditioning to remain in control and confident, whenever that training may need to be used," he said. "Students also learn awareness skills, so they're able to analyze situations, environments and individuals to reduce the opportunities for attacks, while increasing the number of escapes or optional methods of self-defense."