Teachers take defense into own hands

CENTERVILLE, Ohio (WDTN) - "We're on the front lines.  We have no method of defense.  In some ways, we're sitting ducks in the classroom," says Jessica Parthemore.

She teaches 5th grade at Main Elementary in Beavercreek.
 
After the Connecticut school shooting massacre, she wanted to take steps to be able to protect her students and herself.

"It's scary.  I'm in an elementary building myself.  I don't think that it ever crossed my mind, that it would happen in my room or in a situation like mine.  So, it's on our minds.  It's definitely on our minds," Jessica says.

That's why Dayton Krav Maga is offering free classes on Wednesday nights throughout January at the Dayton Jewish Community Center for teachers like Jessica.

This Israeli hand-to-hand combat not only teaches you how to defend yourself against an unarmed attacker, but an armed attacker as well. 

"I believe it's important for teachers to learn a form of self-defense because it seems the world is getting more and more dangerous.  It's very important that our teachers be prepared for these situations," explains assistant instructor Kimi Kokidd.

Amy Marcum agrees.  She teaches 7th grade in Springboro and decided to try it.

"I think it's important for everybody to learn some self-defense techniques and for teachers, it's just kind of one more thing to know and kind of have in your pocket," Amy comments.

To find out how you can get in on the action, you can call Dayton Krava Maga at (937) 884-5065 or the Dayton Jewish Community Center at (937) 853-0372.