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Apsyn Kinnie, pictured at right, takes a turn kicking the punching bag at last Tuesday’s self-defense class hosted by Holyoke Fitness Club. Mario Ortiz observes each kick, offering suggestions to improve its effectiveness. —Johnson Publications

Locals learn martial arts, self-defense

    Two self-defense classes were hosted by Holyoke Fitness Club this month, May 9 and 16, providing a free opportunity for community members age 13 and older to learn some valuable life skills. Mario Ortiz, who first earned a black belt in 1978, taught students some basic martial arts skills and self-protecting techniques.
    These are the first classes of their kind held at the gym since its opening in April 2015, but if there is local interest, they probably won’t be the last.
    Fitness Club owner Trisha Herman explained that her goal was to provide some sort of new community service activity, especially for teens. Self-defense is something they can take with them when they go off to college, she said, and of course, those self-preservation skills can be useful to anyone of any age. She was glad to see both students and adults show up to take advantage of the instruction.
    Ortiz, a Holyoke resident and member at the fitness club, volunteered to teach the self-defense classes. Herman noted it’s something he has a love and passion for, and he was excited to share it with others. He has been practicing martial arts since the early ’70s and attributes his current health and well-being to the lifestyle. In addition to learning self-defense techniques, doing martial arts can help improve flexibility, speed and strength.
 

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Holyoke Enterprise

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Holyoke CO 80734