Citizen's Police Academy

Date: Thurs, 1 March 2007

Since a big part of martial arts is personal protection, we need to look at self-defense as more than a set of techniques.

With that in mind, at the end of last year I signed up for the Arlington County Citizen's Police Academy.  The Academy met on Wednesday nights and lasted 12 weeks.  Each week we were introduced to a different department and got a lecture, demonstration, and often a tour.  We learned about everything from handcuffing, to bait cars, to vice, gangs, homicide, crime prevention, SWAT, canine units, and plenty more.

I mention this because I learned a lot and enjoyed each session.  The police who presented were obviously chosen because they're friendly, knowledgeable, and could keep it fun and interesting.  If your community Police Department offers such a program and you're interested, I suggest you get involved.  The one I took was free, and like I said, very enjoyable.

I also learned so much about what police do and how they function, that I feel I can interact with them from a position of knowledge, should I need to.

Anyway, as I mentioned earlier, self-defense is more than techniques, and having a good knowledge of your local PD can be part of that.  All in all, it was fun, educational, and time well spent.  I strongly recommend you call your local department and ask them if they offer such a program.

Take care and train like you mean it.

Rob LaPointe