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February 28, 2009

Women learn self-defense at class

By Patrick McCreless

When Alisha Jones first heard about the man who had allegedly attacked several women in the county, she decided to do something to protect herself and her family.

“I’m a stay at home mom, so I feel like its best to know what to do,” Jones said.

Jones was one of 15 women who participated Thursday in the Cullman Police Department’s latest Equalizer Women’s Self Defense classes. Jones said she joined the class because of the suspected attacker, especially since she is a resident of Good Hope.

A man described as a Hispanic wearing a hoodie and carrying a pistol allegedly broke into a Good Hope woman’s home last week and raped her. The incident was the third out of four attacks against women allegedly committed by the same individual.

In each case the suspect was armed with a handgun and attacked women in broad daylight. Only one of the women reported being raped, however, another woman stated she was beaten significantly. The other two women escaped without injury.

To date, local law enforcement have not developed any new leads as to the identity of the suspect.

Though Jones was only taking part in her second self-defense class Thursday, she said she had already learned many ways to protect herself.

“I felt so much better even learning a little bit ... I learned you need the courage to stand up for yourself,” Jones said.

Angel Bursell and her daughter Amber signed up for the classes before they knew about the attacks.

“My daughter lives alone and I told her if she’d come I’d come with her,” Bursell said.

Both are glad to have participated in the course, especially after learning about the attacks.

“We’ve learned quite a bit ... ways to not look like a victim,” Amber Bursell said.

The self-defense course separated into two, 2-hour classes. The first class provides women with basic self-defense techniques and knowledge of how not to be easy targets. The second class gives women the chance to put their new defensive skills to the test against male trainers.

“It’s an excellent basic program,” said Officer Cindy Rohrscheib, who instructs the course. “We work on confidence ... you have to have the mental preparation first that you have to fight back. Then we bring in men to challenge the women, to let them know the techniques do work.”

Rohrscheib said the course is particularly good for women since the techniques are not based on size and strength.

“It’s based on core strength,” she said. “Women of any size can do this.”

Typically, the defense class is only held in February, however, Rohrscheib said the recent attacks has prompted her to hold additional classes.

“Today (Thursday) I have had many calls from women ... yes they are scared,” she said.

Along with the self-defense courses, Rohrscheib said women could soon learn how to use firearms thanks to the police department and the Cullman Park and Recreation Department.

The two departments are sponsoring a firearm safety class from 8 a.m. to noon and from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on March 21. The class will be taught by police department firearm instructors at a cost of $20 per person. Anyone interested can register at the Cullman Civic Center by calling 734-9157.

Equalizer Women’s Self Defense classes will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursdays, March 17 and 24 and March 19 and 26 at the Cullman Police Department. The cost is $25 for an instruction manual.

To register, contact Officer Rohrscheib at 736-4703 or 775-7182 (leave message) or e-mail her at cindyr@cullmanpd.com. Deadline for registration is March 6. For more information about the classes, visit www.equalizerwomen.com.



‰ Patrick McCreless can be reached by e-mail at patrickm@cullmantimes.com or by telephone at 734-2131 ext. 270.

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