BP Volunteers Get Self-Defense Training

Learning and practicing self-defense gives Bainbridge Prepares volunteers the skills needed to assess and protect themselves in unsafe situations. On Saturday, July 27, 22 volunteers gathered at the Transmitter Building at Battle Point Park for a self-defense class led by former Army Ranger David Jones, a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, MMA, and self-defense instructor.

One of the rules of emergency response is to “take care of yourself first,” to ensure responders don’t become additional victims. This class was intended to augment the safety of BP volunteers in potentially dangerous situations.

Jones, the owner of Kingston Jiu-Jitsu Club, offered to teach the two-hour class for free to the BP volunteers. He led them through a series of self-defense drills including palm strikes, hip escapes, T-shirt collar escapes, and breaking free from front and back grabs.

Jones offers classes throughout the week for all ages at the Kingston Jiu-Jitsu Club. He also offers a women's only self-defense class on Wednesday evenings. 

The event was organized by BP Medical Reserve Corps Team Lead Raj Bais and BP Program Director Tyler Heinemann.