Led by instructors from the Hammond Police Department and covering the basics of self-defense, these courses fit nicely into the organization’s mission to help strengthen and uplift the community, MAAC Foundation President and CEO Celina Weatherwax says. “We're thrilled to serve in partnership with the Hammond Police Department to empower our community with essential self-defense tactics,” she explains. “Through this collaboration, we aim to equip individuals with the knowledge and skills to enhance their personal safety and confidence.
” The MAAC sessions are similar to the self-defense classes that Hammond Police Sgt. Daniel Mohoi and Master Sgt. David DeBoer have been presenting to groups throughout Lake and Porter Counties for more than a decade under titles such as “The Hammond Police Women’s Self-Defense Class” and “Fight like a Girl.
” Mohoi estimates that the department has offered more than 65 such classes at places such as YMCAs, community centers, churches and college campuses (as well as at the MAAC for the last five years or so) and has presented to more than 1,000 participants. The main focus of the course is to demonstrate the essentials of self-defense, covering topics such as situational awareness, defensive stances, stages of response, active self-defense techniques and scenario-based applications. Among the key concepts that the course lays out are the importance of breathing, being confident in one’s abilities to keep from being seen as.