Jonesboro, AR – (JonesboroRightNow.com) – Sept. 17, 2024 – Ladies of Northeast Arkansas will have chance to learn how to fight back on Saturday, thanks to a free women’s self-defense seminar by Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Jonesboro.

The owners of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu, Jonesboro police officer Austin Morgan and his wife April Morgan, are partnering with certified self-defense instructor Gracie University to host the two-hour event. It will be Saturday, Sept. 21, at 1:30 p.m. at Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Jonesboro, which is located 2305 E. Parker Rd., next to Steak N’ Shake in Jonesboro.

The seminar is also being used to launch their new Women Empowered program. Morgan and his wife will lead the class after completing the yearlong Women Empowered instructor’s course themselves.

“The Women Empowered program was developed by Gracie University for women based on the techniques of Brazilian jiu-jitsu and is based on a unique trauma-informed approach,” Morgan said. “We use this approach because, when you speak with a group of women, chances are that you are speaking to at least one survivor. We want these women to have the confidence to go wherever they want to go, drink whatever they want to drink, and do whatever they want to do without fear.”

Unfortunately, Morgan said that violence can happen anywhere “not because violence is a possibility, but because it is a reality.”

According to the Gracie University website, the Women Empowered program teaches how to neutralize the 20 most common attacks, ranging from hair-grabbing to being pinned to the ground by a weapon-bearing assailant. Unlike most self-defense systems that rely heavily on strength, speed, and coordination, the techniques in this program employ leverage, technique, and timing, so anyone, regardless of age or athletic ability, can make them work against larger opponents.

Morgan added that space is limited, and registration is recommended to guarantee a spot. Although the class is almost full, they are still accepting applicants. It is for first time students only.

There is no experience necessary to participate. It is open to all women ages 13+ and attendees should wear comfortable “work-out” attire. It will include door prizes, and an exclusive membership offer for attendees.

“I think it will be good for a lot of people,” Morgan said, adding that they plan to make it an annual event. “It will also help to raise awareness about domestic violence.”