Self-defense for women

Fawcett's Black Belt Academy in Jasper will offer a free self-defense course for women of any age this Friday, Aug. 3, from 6 - 8 p.m. at 125 W. Houston Street.

Owners Gary and Paula Fawcett say they were concerned "with some of the bad things that have happened lately."

They were thinking of the unsolved murder case of Bridgette Lynn Gearen, the 28-year-old mother who disappeared July 14. Her strangled and beaten body was found on Crystal Beach, but law enforcement officers have no leads.

"I've been training in self-defense and martial arts for 15 years," Gary Fawcett said. He has a fourth-degree black belt, and his wife has a thirddegree black belt.

"We're not going to teach judo or karate in two hours," he said, "but there's some basic things like pressure points and how to get away from an attacker that we can show women how to use effectively."

Women are asked to wear loose, comfortable clothing like a t-shirt and jogging pants.

"Bring a friend if possible," Fawcett advised, "because we're going to practice a few moves."

He said it is not an extremely physical class. Even a smaller or older woman can learn moves that could save her life.

For more information, call 383-0194.