Area Residents Learn About Self Defense Techniques During Seminar

Instructors of the PAC Jiu-itsu gym in Rexburg, Idaho, provided self defense seminars in Poplar and Wolf Point on Thursday, July 11.

Professor Issac Payne explained that the gym provided instruction at local schools during March and now expanded the information to the entire community.

“The whole thing is based on self defense,” Payne said of the seminar. “It’s getting out of danger, away from danger. It’s about escape. The ultimate goal is to get away.”

He noted that one of four women nationally gets assaulted during their lifetime, and the number increases to one in three for Native Americans.

“Almost everyone will need this at some point,” Payne said.

He is a Rigan Machado black belt and creator of smart defense for the Elizabeth Smart Foundation. Along with being an instructor, he is a professional MMA coach.

“I can walk around feeling safe myself. I want others to feel the same,” Payne said.

He compares self defense techniques to CPR as far as information that is important to have but hopefully you will never need to use it.

The instructors perform many self-defense seminars around the nation including California, Alaska, Washington, Utah and Texas.

The seminars on Thursday attracted a total of about 25 participants.

“They are doing quite well,” Payne said of the students. “It’s impressive how quickly the girls have been learning.”

Seminar

Professor Issac Payne provides instruction during a self defense seminar in Wolf Point on Thursday, July 11.

(Photo by Bill Vander Weele)