NORWICH — Join instructors from the Oneonta Jiu Jitsu Academy for the "Strong Women" self defense class at 6 p.m. on Friday, December 20 at the Norwich High School Cafeteria.

The class is free to attend for women and girls over the age of 14 who reside in Chenango County, thanks to grant funding provided by the Women’s Fund of the Community Foundation of South Central New York, which was secured by The Place.

Space is limited, so pre-registration is required. To sign up, contact The Place at 607-336-9696.

Strong Women is an introductory-level course that is suitable for women of all fitness types, and teaches practical techniques women can use to protect themselves if they are ever in an assault situation.

Oneonta Jiu Jitsu Academy Owner Wyatt Green said the grappling style of jiu jitsu can be especially useful in self defense.

"These are things you can do in close range when somebody is grabbing you," said Green. "I think most women who are dealing with an assault are going to be dealing with a situation where somebody is grabbing them and trying to do something. So that brings it to jiu jitsu right away, and of course, that’s a threat that a lot of women unfortunately may have to deal with at some point in their life."