Self-defense workshop helps Camp Zama community members build confidence

CAMP ZAMA, Japan - A free workshop offered as part of Domestic Violence Awareness Month was aimed at providing community members here with essential self-defense skills and building their personal confidence.

Led by Adrian Venable, head instructor at Camp Zama, the interactive session, held Oct. 8 at Yano Fitness Center, focused on practical, real-world techniques to help the participants competently defend themselves.

This is the third year Venable has taught the workshop for Domestic Violence Awareness Month, alongside similar outreach for child abuse and teen dating awareness.

"Basically, we want to help the community out and make them feel safer," Venable explained.

The hands-on curriculum covered distance management, escaping basic grips, and defending against rear attacks.

A core takeaway of the session was prioritizing safety over confrontation.

"This isn't a fight; this isn't mutual combat," Venable emphasized. "All these moves were designed to create space so you can get away."

As the class progressed, the participants experienced plenty of "aha" moments when they successfully executed a move against the instructors or their practice partner.

The self-defense class aligned with the Army's broader, year-round commitment to Domestic Violence Awareness Month, observed annually in October. Throughout the month, the Army mobilizes its Family Advocacy Program across all installations globally to educate Soldiers, civilians and families on the warning signs of relationship abuse and the resources available to help.