Navajo Police Department and Division of Behavioral and Mental Health Services partner to bring free self-defense class for women
CHINLE, Ariz. - The Navajo Police Training Academy facilitated a women’s self-defense class on Tuesday, January 21 during a community event organized and hosted by the Division of Behavior and Mental Health Services (DBMHS). The free self-defense class was held at the Chinle Outpatient and Treatment Center in Chinle, Arizona.
The event had 22 women from various demographics, coming together to encourage and learn basic self-protection skills. Event organizer, Wahaila Begaye, Recreation Specialist with DBMHS, stated the intent of the class was to bring awareness to women’s self-defense skills as a protective factor.
“I wanted to not only create awareness to have self protection skills, but to also enhance a women’s life by reducing the risks of assault and to build their self-confidence and promote a healthy wellbeing.” Begaye said.
The self-defensive class was a first for a majority of the participants, however by the end of the class, all acknowledged they accomplished something valuable and will continue to practice the techniques they learned.
“This was my first self-defense class and I didn’t know what to expect but seeing everyone grow in their confidence as the class progressed was amazing.” Begaye said.
The Navajo Police Training Academy partnered with the DBMHS by providing instructors for the class. Lt. Emmett Yazzie, Sgt. Stanley Ashley, and Sgt. Marvin Curley worked collectively to teach the attendees a variation of skills that included body mechanics, force delivery techniques, and personal defense techniques.
“We are grateful for the opportunity to provide this valuable and important training to our community” Lt. Yazzie said. “We want to thank the Navajo Division of Behavioral and Mental Health Services for their partnership in organizing this class and to all those who attended.”
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