Articles of Interest

Teaching women how to fight back (Northeast Times, 2005)

By Jeannie O'Sullivan
Times Staff Writer

David Oh took a beating on Jan. 31, but the Center City lawyer and tae kwon do expert knew what he was doing.

Oh helped a team of urban superheroes demonstrate a sampling of the self-defense moves that they, along with Oh, would teach attendees of the free, six-session self-defense classes for women. The sessions, which started this week and continue during the month and in March, are offered by the Mayfair Civic Association, Mayfair CDC and the United Northeast Neighbors. An informational workshop was held on Jan. 31 at Mayfair Caterers, site of the self-defense classes.

"Assaults take place on the ground," said DC Maxwell, six-time and current Brazilian jujitsu world champion, as she crunched Oh in a headlock. "Know the painful spots," said grand master Hank-Shik Shin, self-defense instructor for the Temple University Police, as he plunged two fingers into the base of Oh's throat.

"And focus on wrists -- turn water on, turn water off," Shin said, demonstrating the technique as he twisted Oh's wrist back and forth until it took on a purplish hue.

"We'll teach you how to loosen people up and take them off guard," said Michael Korniczky, a Crown Cork and Seal attorney with black belts in jujitsu and judo, as he flung Oh over his shoulder and onto the mat.

The volunteer instructors bring to the course black-belt level expertise in their particular areas of martial arts. The classes will focus on awareness, reaction and techniques.

"There's no instant self-defense," warned Oh.

Technique and training must go along with natural strength. Optimum fitness is not a requirement. In fact, many of the instructors emphasized the importance of the class to those who have not participated in a regular exercise program.

One of four women will suffer an assault to some degree, said Maxwell, who owns Maxercise Sports/Fitness and Team Maxercise Brazilian Ju-Jitsu Academy in Philadelphia. She is alarmed at the oblivious nature of people she sees every day on the streets and aims to raise awareness.

"I see women walking all the time, not even paying attention to their surroundings," Maxwell said.

Scott Cummings, president of the Mayfair Civic Association, didn't sleep for six months after he was held up at gunpoint at 17 while at work. Later, when he worked as a bodyguard, he learned to turn the fear into adrenaline.

"If you can twist your fear into anger, it will help you," Cummings said.

Glenn Devitt, president of the Northeast United Neighbors, said plans for the workshop have been underway for about a year, spurred by some unsolved murders of women in the Northeast area. Devitt said the neighborhood has an obligation.

"If we can save one person," he said, "it will be worth it."

The free, six-session workshop takes place from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Mayfair Caterers, 7201-07 Frankford Ave. It started on Feb. 7; the next sessions are Tuesday, Feb. 15; Monday, Feb. 21; Monday, Feb. 28; Monday, March 7; and Monday, March 14. Call Glenn Devitt, 267-688-6000, for more information. Reporter Jeannie O'Sullivan can be reached at 215-354-3038 or osullivanj@phillynews.com

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