NEW GLARUS - "You can run faster scared than they can run when they're angry," Mike Vaughn told a dozen women Saturday.
Vaughn, who teaches self defense classes in Madison, taught some basic moves to women at the New Glarus Fitness Center.
"This program is about retreating, not fighting," he explained.
There were students of all ages at the class.
They learned what to do if someone attacks them.
They learned wrist grabs and holds, standing grabs and holds and how to defend against an attacker with a weapon.
Vaughn taught women about leverage and how to use their weight and movements to make it difficult for someone who attacks them.
There are ways for women to get someone off of them if they are attacked while on a sofa or in a car, Vaughn said. He showed them how important it is to use their hands to scratch and gouge at someone's face. He explained to them how they could use their feet to kick someone off them.
"No one likes to be touched in the face," he said. "If you can get your thumb in their eyes, push down. If you're attacked from behind, hit a spot that's unprotected."
Vaughn said the main thing is to disable an attacker - by any means possible.
"If someone grabs you from behind, use your hands to hit a vital area and the person will let go," he said. He told them to use the back of their head to hit the attacker in the face.
Desie Breadon, who works at the fitness club, said he invited Vaughn because he knows how well-received his classes are in Madison. He said the techniques are useful for anyone.
Paige Rees, Wisconsin Dells, said she took the class to reacquaint herself with defensive methods.
"I needed a refresher course," she said. "I feel a lot more confident now."
Julie Havens, Monticello, also learned some important lessons.
"Anything can be a weapon. The element of surprise is the best tactic," she said.
Vaughn said there is more to learn and that he would consider holding another seminar in the future.
"If you do these things right it could save your life," he said.
Vaughn, who teaches self defense classes in Madison, taught some basic moves to women at the New Glarus Fitness Center.
"This program is about retreating, not fighting," he explained.
There were students of all ages at the class.
They learned what to do if someone attacks them.
They learned wrist grabs and holds, standing grabs and holds and how to defend against an attacker with a weapon.
Vaughn taught women about leverage and how to use their weight and movements to make it difficult for someone who attacks them.
There are ways for women to get someone off of them if they are attacked while on a sofa or in a car, Vaughn said. He showed them how important it is to use their hands to scratch and gouge at someone's face. He explained to them how they could use their feet to kick someone off them.
"No one likes to be touched in the face," he said. "If you can get your thumb in their eyes, push down. If you're attacked from behind, hit a spot that's unprotected."
Vaughn said the main thing is to disable an attacker - by any means possible.
"If someone grabs you from behind, use your hands to hit a vital area and the person will let go," he said. He told them to use the back of their head to hit the attacker in the face.
Desie Breadon, who works at the fitness club, said he invited Vaughn because he knows how well-received his classes are in Madison. He said the techniques are useful for anyone.
Paige Rees, Wisconsin Dells, said she took the class to reacquaint herself with defensive methods.
"I needed a refresher course," she said. "I feel a lot more confident now."
Julie Havens, Monticello, also learned some important lessons.
"Anything can be a weapon. The element of surprise is the best tactic," she said.
Vaughn said there is more to learn and that he would consider holding another seminar in the future.
"If you do these things right it could save your life," he said.