Genbu-Kai Karate recently tested and graduated four out of seven women who participated in an eight-week self defense course offered at Royal Palm Beach High School.
The women were taught fundamental releases from attacks such as wrist grabs, bear hugs and chokes. The testing, held at Genbu-Kai Karate in Wellington, was conducted with the lights off in a dark and unfriendly atmosphere, in order to try and simulate a real life attack.
The program was taught by Brent Bedwell, a senior instructor at Genbu-Kai Karate. Sensei Keith Moore, chief instructor at Genbu-Kai Karate, said that during the final testing, the women did exceptionally well, and Bedwell escaped with only a few minor bruises and scrapes.
Genbu-Kai Karate recently started a three-part women’s self defense course. Phase I, currently in process, emphasizes simple karate-type defense maneuvers against a multitude of attacks. Phase II will encompass escaping attacks, while Phase III will introduce women how to use household items as weapons.
Moore and Bedwell were impressed with the women’s performance. The graduates were from Boynton Beach, Wellington, Loxahatchee and West Palm Beach.
For more information on classes, call (561) 804-1002 or visit www.floridagenbukai.com.
 ABOVE: Susan Puig, Instructor Brent Bedwell, Effie Scotti, Barbara Flynn and Jessica Gallon. Not pictured: Marina Feldman, Edlange Philsha and Margaret Romano.
