QUEENS — A Forest Hills yoga studio is launching self-defense classes with elements of krav maga, a martial arts system developed for the Israeli army, after a string of sexual attacks in the area, organizers said.
The classes, at Genesis Tree of Life Yoga and Wellness Center, will begin on Jan. 12, and will combine different martial arts styles, including techniques used in krav maga, such as punches and kicks, allowing victims to quickly “escape from [dangerous] situations,” the organizers said.
“We think it’s important that a person knows how to defend themselves,” said Rene David Alkalay, founder of the center.
Alkalay said he decided to introduce self-defense classes after six sexual assaults took place “in this neighborhood, right here, by Forest Park” in recent years, including two incidents in which the attacker used a stun gun.
“If a woman is being attacked and she knows how to defend herself without having to be a karate master — whether it's screaming loud or poking someone in the eyes — it can save her from being raped or being killed,” Alkalay noted.
The classes will also include elements of jujutsu, taekwondo, boxing and kick-boxing, said Dean Amodeo, 37, a longtime practitioner of martial arts, who will teach the class.
The class will follow krav maga’s main principle to avoid confrontation if possible.
“Obviously you have to evaluate every situation and if you can get out of it without having to fight, it’s certainly the best way,” Alkalay said.
Participants will also master several techniques teaching them “how to escape from situations” quickly, Amodeo said.
After completing the five-class program, students should know “how to get to the ground, how to get up properly and how to use certain objects, such as keys, as weapons,” Amodeo said.
They will also learn how to hit their attackers in the most vulnerable parts of the body.
Genesis Tree of Life Yoga and Wellness Center is located at 102-02/06 Metropolitan Ave. (Metro Plaza). Classes, open to both men and women, will begin on Jan. 12, and will take place on Mondays from 9-10 a.m. 5 classes will cost $100 ($75 for those who will sign up before Jan. 5). For more information go here or call 718-544-5997.
