The brutal murder of Teresa Butz in South Park last summer has inspired two Central District martial arts studios to organize the Fight the Fear Campaign, a new effort that hopes to equip local women with free self-defense and violence-prevention training.
Funded and supported by Brandi Carlile and The Indigo Girls, Seattle Kajukenbo (22nd & Union) and Seven Star Women's Kung Fu (21st & James) are providing instructors and self-defense know-how to help women stay safe. The free classes will be held at community centers, homeless shelters, and other gathering places around the city, targeting underserved and at-risk populations.
They're holding an invitation-only kick-off event this Sunday, and the first of four open workshops on February 7th. Check out the organization's website for more information: http://fightthefearcampaign.com/index.html
Both Seven Star and Seattle Kajukenbo offer beginners' classes throughout the year. Although Seven Star is all women, Seattle Kajukenbo teaches both men and women, and offers kid's classes, too.
Beginner's classes at Seven Star start this week with open enrollment through January 11th. (Classes are Monday/Thursday 7:30-9pm and optional Saturday morning, plus scholarships and free childcare are available for students.) Come on by!