Armed with knowledge

While shopping at Wal-Mart, 62-year-old Catherine Clements was approached by someone wanting to take her purse. She didn’t panic, though. She knew exactly how to handle the situation. 

Before she could take the time to feel fear, Clements recalled some maneuvers she learned in Blue Line Combatives — a weekly self-defense class taught at Homewood Community Center. 

After attending the class for just a few months, Clements said she has seen her confidence — and physical fitness — improve greatly. She credits her newfound self-defense skills for getting her out of what could have been a bad situation at Wal-Mart that day. 

“It’s frightening today because you hear all these horrible things on the news, and it’s just good to be prepared and have these skills,” she said. 

The class’s strong leadership, Clements said, is another reason why she attends. 

Jon Newland — a member of the Homewood Police Department who has more than 30 years of experience teaching self-defense — spearheaded Blue Line Combatives when he saw a need for self-defense skills in the Homewood community. 

Standing at five feet six inches, Newland admits he became interested in self-defense at a young age because of his stature. 

By studying kung fu, taekwondo, karate, kickboxing and jiu jitsu, Newland was able to leverage his knowledge to launch the self-defense class. His law enforcement background helped, too. 

“I want to train civilians to be able to overcome the bad guys, because we can’t always be there,” Newland said. “Your personal safety is up to you.”

Newland also preaches the power of self-confidence. 

“It’s remarkable what having a little bit of self-confidence can help you do,” he said. “I like to empower people like that.” 

Like Clements, Ray Deese, who has been attending Blue Line Combatives for approximately three months, said he took up self-defense as a way to build confidence — and know how to protect himself in a life-threatening situation. 

“You’re getting your blood pumping, you’re working your muscles and you’re working your mind,” Deese said. “It’s just really good stuff.” 

Blue Line Combatives, Newland explained, is meant to simulate real-life situations — such as what to do if someone tries to take your purse or threatens you while at an ATM. 

The class begins with Newland describing a scenario, and then he demonstrates how participants can maneuver themselves to safety. 

Newland said, however, most self-defense skills are basic — it’s just a matter of knowing what to do and when to act. 

“I still think it comes down to being able to punch well and kick well,” he said. “If you get those elements down, you’re pretty much prepared for anything.” 

Newland’s teachings know no age limit. Eight-year-old Aley Dyer, who has attended the class for a few months with her mother, April Dyer, said her favorite part of Blue Line Combatives is learning how to kick. 

“Aley came to me wanting to take a self-defense class, just to be able to stand up for herself at school and things like that,” April said. “I figured it would be something good for the family to do.” 

Newland said seeing his class transform into more confident citizens who can protect themselves is his favorite part of teaching. 

“I’ve done this in police work, I’ve done it on the street, I’ve done it in here — and I know what works,” he said. 

Blue Line Combatives meets every Wednesday at 7 p.m. at Homewood Community Center. The class costs $10 per person. Call 296-1250 for more information.