Women get a leg up on attackers.

Byline: Jim Feehan The Register-Guard

ELMIRA - Christa Hanson and her younger sister, Lisa, learned important lessons Sunday about a strategically placed bite, a knee to the groin or a finger to the eye.

The two teens and their mother, Leslie Hanson, all of Elmira, were among two dozen women who participated in a free two-day women's self-defense seminar at the Elmira High School gymnasium.

The idea for the classes arose during a community prayer service last month for Brooke Wilberger, the 2003 Elmira High School graduate who disappeared the morning of May 24 from a Corvallis apartment complex. Wilberger is 19 - the same age that Christa will turn on Friday.

"Having a daughter the same age as Brooke really hits home," said Leslie Hanson. "Being able to defend ourselves in situations of attack is helpful."

Fifteen-year-old Lisa said the instruction was presented in an easy-to-follow way. "These are comfortable practice moves that are easy. It's also nice to train with someone you know," she said, referring to her older sister.

The seminar's attendees, a mixture of teens, twentysomethings and middle-aged housewives and professionals, paired off and took turns going through various self-defense moves on three large wrestling mats placed over the gym floor.

Laurie Forbis, a pastor at Fern Ridge Faith Center, came up with the seminar idea after attending last month's prayer service for Wilberger at the flagpole near the intersection of Territorial Highway and Highway 126. Forbis said it's important that women be trained in how to spot and resist an attacker.

"I think this should be taught in P.E.," she said. "Think of what this could do for our young girls."

Ryan and Jennifer Kelly of Eugene's Northwest Martial Arts studio led the seminar. The couple have taught self-defense courses at the University of Oregon and at Eugene's Downtown Athletic Club.

Several of the moves incorporate a martial arts form used by the late actor Bruce Lee. The technique follows a basic progression of swift striking motions with an open-faced palm to an assailant's eyes, followed by several punches to the head, eye and groin, Ryan Kelly said.

"A good kick to the groin or an eye gouge can get you out of a situation and might possibly save your life," he said during concluding remarks at Sunday's two-hour session.

The women were also taught how to counterattack if tackled and thrown to the ground. Women need to better acquaint themselves with their surroundings and know that they could be the target of an assault, Kelly said.

Jennifer Kelly said a basic self-defense seminar can empower women to feel a little more confident and secure in their daily lives. "In this day and age, it's important for women to know how to protect themselves," she said.

CAPTION(S):

Sisters Lisa (left) and Christa Hanson sit back to back as Northwest Martial Arts instructors Jennifer and Ryan Kelly teach women how to defend themselves at a seminar Sunday at Elmira High School. Christa will soon turn 19, the same age as the missing Brooke Wilberger. Elaine Lohman (left) fends off friend and fellow self-defense student Judylee Root with a gouging to the eyes and a groin kick. S e l f - d e f e n s e