Kansas City Police Department offers free women's self defense classes

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - By age 25, 70% of women will experience some kind of physical or sexual violence by a partner, according to the Missouri Coalition against Domestic and Sexual Violence. Yet, there is another number on the rise: the number of women learning to fight back.

In fact, The Kansas City Police Department has received so much interest in women’s self defense classes that they’ve decided to expand their free program.

According to defensive tactics instructor and police officer Gary Knapp, women are taking the initiative to know how to defend themselves just in case. “It used to be that we would have a lot of interest when there would be a rapist out, and then the suspect would be captured and the interest would die down. Yet, we would tell them that you can’t wait. You have to be prepared and I think that’s what they’re doing now. The word is getting out”, Knapp added.

The training combines lectures and a hands-on approach towards awareness, prevention, street wise precaution and self-defense.

In a four hour session women will gain the confidence and skills they need to fight off an attacker, according to Knapp. “They feel a lot better about themselves after the class. They tell us they feel better prepared because they have the tools”, he explained.

Participants are asked to wear athletic type clothing, with no buttons or zippers. Socks and long sleeve shirts are required.

Enrollment is open to females 13 years of age or older, but anyone under the age of 17 must be accompanied by an adult.

Each session will be held from 8 a.m. to noon.

The class is free but pre-registration is required. To RSVP, call 413-3500 or email angela.mccune@kcpd.org . Each class is limited to 50 participants.

Upcoming classes include:

March 2: Regional Academy, 6885 NE Pleasant Valley Road

March 21 (evening course: 6-10 PM) Regional Academy, 6885 NE Pleasant Valley Road

April 6: Regional Academy, 6885 NE Pleasant Valley Road

May 4: South Patrol Division, 9701 Marion Park Drive

Additional classes are being added based on demand.