The next Strong Women self defense class will be held at 6 p.m. on Friday, February 28 in the Norwich High School Cafeteria. The classes teach Chenango County women and girls self defense techniques utilizing the grappling style of jiu jitsu. (Photo from the Oneonta Jiu Jitsu Academy Facebook page)

NORWICH — The next Strong Women self defense class will be held at 6 p.m. on Friday, February 28 in the Norwich High School Cafeteria, located at 89 Midland Drive in Norwich.

The class is free for Chenango County women and girls age 14 and older. To register, contact The Place at 607-336-9696.

The monthly classes are taught by Oneonta Jiu Jitsu Academy Instructors Christine Gould and Heather Knapp, who lead participants through self defense exercises that utilize the grappling techniques of jiu jitsu to avoid harm and escape an assault.

"It’s a grappling martial art, so 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," said Oneonta Jiu Jitsu Academy Owner Wyatt Green. "If somebody tries to punch you or kick you, how to protect yourself, and in this case you stay close to them, because like I said, jiu jitsu is about grappling."

Individuals can participate in one class, or attend several. Green said attending multiple classes makes participants more comfortable with the techniques and builds confidence.