The University of New Mexico’s Continuing Education has given unique classes to students. staff, and faculty for over 90 years. However, now they are offering self-defense classes to step up the girl power for any uneasy women.
The connection was made between Continuing Education and Jackson Wink MMA Academy. The gym’s co-owners Mike and Heather-Winkeljohn filled the need with Smart Girl Self Defense. Heather Winkeljohn stated that, “We were getting so many requests for women’s self-defense or any kind of training for women, every woman wants to go into the Jackson Wink Academy. They’re still a little bit nervous, and not sure what to expect. So having a place just for women and girls to train seems to be more comforting, at least until they can get that confidence level up.”
UNM Continuing Education Personal Enrichment Program Manager Maralie Waterman added, “A topic will come up and so I’ll be looking for somebody to teach on a particular subject, and that’s actually what happened with the self-defense class, We wanted something that was really focused on, of course, the educational component, because everything within Continuing Education really has that kind of educational focus for a broad and diverse population. It’s just something that’s the elephant in the room. We have to address it. We have to work with our community partners, We have to be proactive and I think that’s what UNM was envisioning. Every girl, every woman, has a need or want to feel safe. It’s just something that we deal with as women.”
Programs are available for all ages and Continuing Education sponsors the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI). OLLIA at UNM aims to give affordable courses for those 50 and older. Meaning no matter what your age is there is a way to learn how to protect yourself.
For girls looking to take it even further, Smart Girl Self Defense gym also is offering a weekly Fit 2 Hit class. Students practice self-defense strikes in combination with kickboxing, strikes, and drills. Any women that want to return to the Continuing Education class can do so if they don’t feel comfortable in the advanced class.
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