Get Healthy: MAAC Foundation training makes way for self-defense classes for women and children

While the MAAC Foundation campus in Valparaiso is known for the training and resources it offers first responders throughout the area, including on-the-job physical skills and mental health strategies, one of its more popular initiatives  targets civilians — specifically women and children — and is taught by first responders.

Led by instructors from the Hammond Police Department and covering the basics of self-defense, these courses fit nicely into the organization’s mission to help strengthen and uplift the community, MAAC Foundation President and CEO Celina Weatherwax says.

“We're thrilled to serve in partnership with the Hammond Police Department to empower our community with essential self-defense tactics,” she explains. “Through this collaboration, we aim to equip individuals with the knowledge and skills to enhance their personal safety and confidence.”

The MAAC sessions are similar to the self-defense classes that Hammond Police Sgt. Daniel Mohoi and Master Sgt. David DeBoer have been presenting to groups throughout Lake and Porter Counties for more than a decade under titles such as “The Hammond Police Women’s Self-Defense Class” and “Fight like a Girl.” Mohoi estimates that the department has offered more than 65 such classes at places such as YMCAs, community centers, churches and college campuses (as well as at the MAAC for the last five years or so) and has presented to more than  1,000 participants.

The main focus of the course is to demonstrate the essentials of self-defense, covering topics such as situational awareness, defensive stances, stages of response, active self-defense techniques and scenario-based applications.

Among the key concepts that the course lays out are the importance of breathing, being confident in one’s abilities to keep from  being seen as a soft or timid target, identifying potential attackers and never turning one’s back on them and managing space and distance with movement – whether by walking away, slowly stepping back or simply moving laterally.

In conveying these and other lessons, Mohoi and his fellow instructors hope to instill women and children with not only the physical tools they need to defend themselves, but also the mental resilience that comes with knowing what to do in the face of a potential threat.

“I feel basics of self-defense are important for women and children because they are often targeted populations that need to have confidence in their ability to defend themselves in any situation they may encounter,” he says.

These are goals that the MAAC believes in as well, which is why Weatherwax feels the self-defense courses for women and kids are such important additions to the organization’s schedule. Having welcomed many Hammond police officers to the campus for various training over the years, she couldn’t be happier about being able to partner with the department on this crucial public safety initiative.

“Together, we're committed to fostering a safer, more resilient community where everyone feels empowered to protect themselves and others.”

The next self-defense class hosted by the Hammond Police Department at the MAAC will take place on July 27 and will focus on kids from kindergarten to fifth grade. To register or for more information, visit maacfoundation.org/class/kids-self-defense-class.