Women's Self Defense Comes to Public Library

Chief Deputy Bailey demonstrates how to escape a hold and disarm an attacker quickly an efficiently. 
Photo by Haley McCord

On Saturday, August 29, the Princeton Public Library provided a free Introduction to Ladies Self Defense class from 11:00 to 12:30, available to anyone from age of sixteen and up. The class was administered by Chief Deputy Darrell B. Bailey of the Mercer County Sheriff’s Department. Bailey has 32 years of law enforcement experience, 42 years of martial arts experience and is certified in police defensive tactics; Bailey is also an Okinawan Goju Ryu Karate instructor and has received a black belt.

During the presentation, Bailey explained several different scenarios in which a person may be attacked and how to avoid the attack, but also what to do if one is attacked. Attendees were encouraged to grab a partner and try the moves on one another to gain experience. After the group loosened up, Bailey gave demonstrations on some of the ladies and explained what to do if an attacker comes from all angles and further discussed what to do if an attacker gains control of the neck. Bailey provided handouts with thirty-six self-protection tips for all the attendees to take with them after the presentation along with emergency whistles accented with a compass and red pointer light.

When asked why he decided to give these classes, Bailey responded with “For several years, I’ve taught martial arts, which is a traditional class, but everybody can’t do that; some people have time restrains and physical restrictions. So, I started teaching woman’s self-defense through the Mercer County Board of Education and had a great response [from women] for several years. I’ve had several requests [to give classes] to colleges like Concord, Valley College, Bluefield State and recently The Elks. The word is getting out! I’m glad to do it when I can.”

Anyone can take the class! It is one-hundred percent free and the information may save your life: “It’s not a long detailed class, but of course, the more training you have – the better you are…” and “the more you practice, the more it becomes second nature” says Bailey. A few self-protection tips from the list given to everyone by Bailey were:

• “Keep your back straight, chest out, chin level and be mindful of your surroundings. Make eye contact, speak firmly and clearly. In other words, don’t look and act like a victim!
• Always trust your gut feelings. If someone or something does not seem right, it’s NOT right.
• If you are walking and think you are being followed, turn your head and make eye contact to let the person know you are aware and can identify them. As soon as possible, change directions. If you are still being followed, go toward people or open businesses.
• There are no rules during a sudden vicious attack or rape. To help stay calm, breathe in through the nose and out through the mouth.
• If you are in an area that you are not familiar with, give the impression that you know exactly where you are, where you are going and you are not concerned.”

There will be another class September 26 administered by Advantage Martial Arts in the same location. The class is free and will address what to do if a victim finds themselves in a ground struggle with their attacker. In order to register for the class, call the Princeton Public Library at 304-487-5045.

Chief Deputy Bailey says that if his students remember anything at all from his classes, it should be: “Don’t look like a victim and refuse to be anyone’s victim. Ever.”