Women Learn When, How to Fight Back

Eleven women braved icy roads on the evening of Feb. 13 to attend a self-defense seminar at True Power Martial Arts Academy at 316 S. Stallard, led by instructor Mr. Coda Scott.

Mr. Scott, a 5th-degree black belt in American Free Style Karate, has taught women’s self-defense since 2002, when he was a senior at Cleveland High School. “It’s taken a while to figure out, but it was really a subconscious effort to save my mom,” he said, referring to her experience with violence.

“You need to see a woman’s experience,” he emphasized. “Most violence against women isn’t reported.” His goal is to help women recognize real threats and equip them with the skills to respond.

The seminar began with a lecture portion where he brought up the threat of trafficking. 

One participant, Barb, nearly 70, came to learn how to defend herself when her son isn’t home. “Any one of y’all can be a target,” he said. Trafficking can happen regardless of age and “it’s disproportionately affecting the elderly now”.

For the practice portion, Mr. Scott introduced the “touch, turn, and look” technique for when someone grabs your shoulder. He also demonstrated how to recognize escalating threats. “First, make space. If they pursue, they’ve made their intentions clear.”

Context is key, he explained. “On behalf of men everywhere and especially Robert (gesturing to one of his teenage karate students in the circle) not every awkward man you meet is a predator!” The class laughed.

Other self-defense principles he taught were “The force must be proportionate to the threat” and when it’s time to act, “hurt them until they don’t want to hurt you back”.

He asked returning students how they felt walking out of Walmart at night. “Confident,” one said. Another replied, “I’m always cautious but confident.” A college student recalled an encounter with a suspicious man who approached her asking for directions. “I wasn’t afraid to look him in the face,” she said. “I know that if I had to, I’d be okay.”

True Power’s women’s self-defense seminar is free and open to the community. Participants must be 11 or older, with those 16 and under requiring a parent present. The next seminar is scheduled for March 27 at 7 p.m. and takes place on the last Thursday of each month. Athletic attire is encouraged. To register, text (405) 612-4982.