SELF-DEFENSE CLASSES GIVE WOMEN TOOLS TO FIGHT BACK.

Byline: Stacy Brown Daily News Staff Writer

Having vowed nine years ago to protect and serve, sheriff's Deputy Susan Rogers has made another commitment - to teach.

After seeing countless battered women and sexual assault victims, Rogers decided to do something proactive to help the women of her community.

``I've had to take numerous reports from women victims, and I decided I wanted to help in other ways, too - ways that promote self-defense,'' she said. ``I felt if I could prevent just one rape, I'd be happy.''

In her time off from the Santa Clarita Valley sheriff's station, where she's worked the last three years, Rogers drove to San Jose and took a 32-hour class that allowed her to become certified as a rape aggression defense instructor.

``RAD is a unique approach to women's safety,'' Rogers said ``If you talk to most women you'll find they've never been involved in a fight their entire life, so they are really at a disadvantage.''

Rogers teaches women pressure points and other vulnerable body parts that can be kicked or punched - giving a potential victim the precious few seconds needed to make an escape.

Armed with her new skills, Rogers took the initial steps to start a self-defense class. Facing a $3,000 tab for demonstration materials, room rental and publicity, Rogers sought help from the city of Santa Clarita, but was told there just wasn't enough money in the budget.

So Rogers dipped into her own savings account and began soliciting money from other deputies.

The local Sheriff's Booster Club quickly stepped in, providing the money to buy attack gear and other teaching materials. Most important, their help meant that Rogers could offer the classes for free.

``This is something I don't think women should have to pay for,'' she said.

In June, a dozen women signed up for the first class, spending three hours a week learning self-defense techniques and ways to remain aware of their surroundings at all times.

``This increased my awareness of what goes on around me and how to defend myself,'' said Pam Matsuoka, among Rogers' first graduates. ``I am super glad I decided to take the course. I know now that you don't have to be a victim.''

The classes, which are held at the Valencia Town Center Mall Community Room and City Hall. The horror-filled experience of being attacked is played out during one session as a well-built villain approaches a student and begins to assault her.

The deputy stresses that women, or any other victims, should get a good look at the perpetrator and try to remember features that will help track him down, such as scars, tattoos and even his smell.

``What Susan does is great, it's a compliment to her as a deputy and as a person,'' said Lt. Carl Deeley of the Santa Clarita Valley sheriff's station.

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2 Photos

PHOTO (1-2) Deputy Theresa Dawson, left, shows Carnette Rischar how to break a choke hold, above. At right, self-defense class founder Deputy Susan Rogers demonstrates a debilitating kick to the groin on Deputy Chris Lynn, outfitted in protective gear.

John Lazar/Special to the Daily News