Participants in the September Strong Women self defense class. The next class will be held at 6 p.m. on Friday, November 15 in the Norwich High School Cafeteria, located at 89 Midland Drive in Norwich. (Photo from the Oneonta Jiu Jitsu Academy Facebook page)

NORWICH — The "Strong Women" self defense course will be held again on Friday, November 15 at 6 p.m. in the Norwich High School Cafeteria, located at 89 Midland Drive in Norwich.

The class is open to Chenango County women aged 14 years and older, and is free to participate. Space is limited so pre-registration is required. To register, contact The Place at 607-336-9696.

Strong Women is led by Oneonta Jiu Jitsu Academy Instructors Christine Gould and Heather Knapp, and will teach participants how to use the grappling style of jiu jitsu to defend themselves.

"These are things you can do in close range when somebody is grabbing you, what you can do. If somebody grabs you from behind, if somebody puts you in a bear hug from the front," explained Oneonta Jiu Jitsu Academy Owner Wyatt Green. "I think most women who are dealing with an assault are going to be dealing with a situation where somebody is grabbing them and trying to do something. So that brings it to jiu jitsu right away, and of course, that’s a threat that a lot of women unfortunately may have to deal with at some point in their life."

He said Strong Women is an introductory-level course that is suitable for women of all fitness types, and will teach practical techniques women can use to protect themselves if they are ever in an assault situation.