Local women learning skills to defend and protect themselves

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - A new class is offering skills and tricks that could save your life if you need to quickly defend yourself. The well-known Larios Karate Club in Yuma held a hands-on self-defense training session for women of all ages.

Larios Karate is operated by the highest-ranking Latin American in the world in pressure points - Dr. Luis Larios.

The master is lending a helping hand by helping women defend themselves to the fullest potential.

“If they at least take home a couple of these scenarios and, you know, learn them. That could be it that could be what saves their life.”

His daughter, Tanya Larios, explains one of the reasons why they chose to launch the class.

“Kidnapping, rapes, assaults. They need to be prepared and we want to keep our community prepared and safe. We're trying to provide something for the community that way, everyone's able to defend themselves right because you never know,” she said.

During the class, you learn ways to escape a situation by targeting the person’s pressure points. This triggers their body to back off.

Several participants in the class said they were struggling with domestic violence at home.

“It's not always out in the world sometimes there are issues at home. There are issues I know, God forbid, but some people do have abuse. Women are hit, beat, they need to be able to escape, they need to be able to, you know, sometimes their life is at risk and we are giving them skills for them to save their lives,” Tanya Larios explained.

Larios says women should not feel like they’re tiny or weak. The benefits of knowing these tricks will only make you more confident and prepared.

If you're interested in this class, the team is looking to add more in the future.

You can find out more information on their website and Facebook page.