Thursday, November 13th approximately 20 of our nearly 50 volunteers took advantage of the free Personal Safety Training that Master Koster offered to Sun Prairie Teen Safe Ride volunteers.  Master Koster thanked the adults/teens for their commitment to the program and acknowledged their dedication to give up a Friday or Saturday night to be of service to their peers in need of a ride for whatever reason needed. 

Participants were taught how to protect their heads and keep their body in a solid stance to better defend themselves.  Basic technique was taught in the event somebody would try to grab at your shoulders or neck that you'd be able to reduce or break the grip.

ABOVE: A very basic hand manipulation was demonstrated.  Above volunteers "stayed after class" to practice that technique.  A second personal safety session was scheduled for November 20th for the teen/adult volunteers to further work on "manipulations" to defend self in unsafe situation.  The second session was well attended as well with approximately 20 volunteers.  The manipulation taught could be used against an individual that is getting "to personal" with you and you do not care for their advances.  This could be at a club, social event, dance, or even at the shopping mall.  You've asked them to leave you alone but they fail to understand your request for personal space.  Basic hand manipulation will back that individual off and allow the space needed to get out of the situation.

BELOW: Participants were taught the importance of "base" and keeping their head above the body for good balance.  Participants learned how to absorb the impact if shoved from head-on or how to keep balance if you were grabbed by the arm and pulled forward.

Note From Master Koster to Teen Safe Ride Volunteer Participants

Thank you Sun Prairie Teen Safe Ride teen and adult volunteers for the opportunity to meet you and the privilege to work with you.  The contribution you are giving to the community of Sun Prairie shows great character in each of you.  It was a true pleasure working with you during the Personal Safety Training sessions.  I look forward to working with the Sun Prairie Teen Safe Ride in the future.

Thank You Received From Teen Safe Ride