90% mental, 10% physical: Seniors learn safety strategies from former officer
First Federation-sponsored course designed especially for senior citizens
Using physical force is only 10% of a total self-defense equation, according to David Wright, a former police officer and an expert in Krav Maga. The key to defending yourself, he told a group of senior citizens, is mindset.
“Most of self-defense is the proactive steps you take prior to an event ever happening, to ensure an event doesn’t happen,” Wright said.
Wright was the instructor at a July 23 self-defense class for senior citizens at the South Hills Jewish Community Center of Greater Pittsburgh. The event, a collaboration between the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh and Wright, gave seniors the opportunity to learn more about how to protect themselves.
Wright, who served as a police officer for 25 years, spent most of his life competing in combat sports but eventually made the transition to teaching, he said, feeling the call to “give back.”
“You’re not put on this earth to serve yourself,” he said, stressing the importance of “service over self.”
Throughout the two-hour session, about 30 seniors were introduced to new skills and new ways of thinking to help them protect themselves and maintain their safety at all times.
The training began with a PowerPoint presentation, introducing participants to common mistakes made by older adults and offering simple ways to address them. Wright discussed ways to ward against a home invasion, practices to follow when one is out alone and key mental attitude changes that can enhance seniors’ safety.
“Positive thought breeds positive outcome,” he said. “A mindset that ‘I won’t be hurt, I will survive,’ will breed a positive outcome that you will survive, you will win.”
After discussing different scenarios and specific strategies, it was time for the participants to get on their feet and work on that 10% — fighting skills. Wright first taught the participants how to get into a fighting stance. He emphasized having a wide base as well as keeping hands high to protect your face.
Then it was time for some partner work. Participants practiced getting into a fighting position with a partner while Wright came around and corrected form. He also demonstrated how to physically combat someone from various positions. Whether they are grabbing you from behind or approaching you from the front, Wright gave the best striking options for each.
Another point of emphasis was using your weight to your advantage. Having a wide stance will make you difficult to lift and manipulate. Also, the use of voice is critical, Wright said. As participants threw punches, they were instructed to yell as loud as they could, simulating a real-life situation.
While this was not the first defense course offered in Pittsburgh sponsored by the Federation and Wright, it was the first one designed specifically for senior citizens. Federation previously has offered self-defense training classes for women, children and other groups.
South Hills resident Beverly Rowan took some new skills away from the session.
“I think the awareness is key for all of us,” Rowan said. “The stance and what works, what doesn’t work — very, very helpful.” PJC
Andrew Rich can be reached at arich@pittsburghjewishchronicle.org.
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