RSVP ASAP: Free self-defense class for local runners

After the recent attack on a woman running in our area, West Seattle Runner (WSB sponsor) decided to organize a free self-defense class. In case you haven’t already seen it in our calendar, here’s the announcement of the class at 7 pm Wednesday, October 12th:

West Seattle Runner and P3Running are hosting a self defense class for runners. We are pleased to announce that Seattle Integrated Martial Arts (SIMA) will be presenting the class. It will last approximately 1-1.5 hours. … Our hope is that this workshop will help you feel empowered and safe while out doing what you love. Additionally, we hope to create a network of runners that night who will connect to run together during the dark hours. Please invite friends who will benefit, and have everyone RSVP. Either RSVP on the Facebook event page OR email lori@westseattlerunner.com

West Seattle Runner is at 2743 California SW.

4 Replies to "RSVP ASAP: Free self-defense class for local runners"

  • Al September 18, 2016 (3:28 pm)

    Where was the runner attacked , time?

    • WSB September 18, 2016 (3:32 pm)

      The story is linked from this one. The words “the recent attack” should show in your browser, any device, as a link, and it goes to the original story, with date, time, location, details.

    • Jon September 19, 2016 (3:38 am)

      ~6:15AM 44th Ave SW right before the Charlestown Ave SW intersection.


      There was also a recent (09/16/16) armed group mugging just north of the Junction, near the 4000 block of California Ave SW and Andover.

  • Jon September 19, 2016 (4:19 am)
    It’s nice to see people taking their personal safety more seriously. Hopefully that course is very informative and helps a number of people so that they might avoid being victims.

    To any would-be attendees or curious participants: please realize that any information you are given (or any supplementary gear you buy to defend yourself) is only useful if you practice and are prepared. For example: if you decide to carry a pepper spray product (not my favorite recommendation due to the high likelihood of self-contamination), it doesn’t do you any good in your pockets or bags (or glove compartment, or bedside table) when you need it in your hands.
    In helping some female friends of mine with their “EDC” (everyday carry), my first recommendation over anything is always a quality flashlight. What you’re looking for is something to last you 5-10yrs that can be used as a blunt-force weapon as well as an illumination / signaling tool. Don’t cheap out on this device and don’t rely on your phone’s LED flash. Many of these self-defense lights have what is referred to as a “crenellated ‘strike’ bezel”, which can collect DNA on a strike or draw blood.
    My go-to recommendations (which are small enough to carry in your hands as you jog, walk to your car, et cetera) are the Klarus XT11S (rechargeable via USB) and the Elzetta Alpha (1-cell; uses CR123A cells). Both are water/dust-proof to a degree; both will be great for what you need and more. The former will run you about $80. Buy it on Amazon if you can find it in stock (it typically ships with a belt-loop pouch so that you can also have it on your waist at all times). The latter is only sold through the manufacturer’s website. It’s indestructible (seriously, check YouTube reviews of their lights), made entirely in the US, and runs about $140. Klarus is a Chinese company with somewhat questionable customer service if something goes wrong; Elzetta is a small American company who promises lifetime guarantees for their products. So, buy accordingly (both are nice).

    These lights are designed for police and military / self-defense applications; which means they are stress-tested to be dropped, submerged in water, used as gun lights on mounts, and tough enough for most people. They are quality self-defense items, and in my opinion, everyone should be carrying at least a high-quality light, if nothing else. Not only is it a good impromptu weapon when you need one. it’s just a universally handy tool (great for flooding sidewalks with light while you walk or for signaling cars at crosswalks in the dark).
    Both lights are bright enough to temporarily blind anyone approaching you if you flash directly into their eyes, which would give you a window to run and call for help. Both have the ability to be configured with a strobe function for disorienting any would-be attacker.

    Flashlights can also be carried into a courthouse or any other area which might forbid other self-defense items.

    There are many other brands (Surefire, Fenix, et cetera), but those are my two immediate recommendations to most people given the price, quality, size, and ease-of-use. If you’re really short on cash, the Olight S20R is a great light for ~$45; though, it lacks the better self-defense features. It’s still 100x better than anything you’ll find at Fred Meyer.

    Also, if you’re new to thinking about self-defense, please don’t buy into the “taser / stun gun” hype if that ever comes up. The truth is: those products are extremely difficult and expensive to use and not-at-all effective if you don’t complete the circuit for the electrical charge (thick clothes, one of the barbs misses). You only get one shot with a taser-style cartridge, and assuming you complete the circuit, it only lasts for thirty seconds. It’s also useless for fighting off multiple attackers. Leave those devices to the police.

    If you’re prepared and willing to go that route, my sincere advice is to apply for your CPL (Concealed Pistol License), seek out training if you’re unfamiliar and untrained (they often teach basic pistol courses at police stations or at indoor ranges), and to find a small firearm which you can operate in the dark without error; one that is comfortable enough on your body to not leave it at home. Most people immediately recommend the Glock 42/43 and the Smith & Wesson M&P Shield 9mm, but you really should do your own research and test-fire anything before you buy it.

    If the whole concept is new and scary to you: please, do not be discouraged. Ask about group classes or find a friend. Courses are offered for various levels of comfort / familiarity. I’ve met and trained people from both mindsets (those who are ready to jump right in versus those who cry at the site of a gun) and they’ve all been universally happier that they’d picked up a new skill and overcome their (in my opinion, irrational) fears.
    You may also want to check out the info archived on the “faliaphotography” channel on YouTube; a female-hosted self-defense gear review channel for women. A lot of her content dealt with finding convenient and stylish concealment options for active women. Beyond that, Personal Defense Network (PDN) is another great channel who often holds defense courses across the country during their tours. They take the time to find experts who can answer any and all questions one might have in regards to just about any self-defense method or gear.
    Hopefully, not a single person reading this is ever assaulted or threatened. Some of us just get “lucky” I guess. Stay safe, make informed decisions, and don’t let anyone pressure you out of defending yourself if you so choose to prepare. It’s your life and you only get one.

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