Students in the 11th and 12th grades received hands-on training in self defense using jiu-jitsu as part of a new, two-week PE unit in March on health and safety, led by Stephen McGee, owner of 609 Jiu-Jitsu and Fitness in Egg Harbor Township.

Athletic Director Pam Hitchner set up the special class instruction to introduce students to ways they can defend themselves in different situations, which she feels is an important life skill.

“We have chapters in our health textbook on safety and rather than reading about it, our students are getting hands-on training on how to defend yourself in a threatening situation to be able to run and get away,” Hitchner said.

Hitchner said McGee used the teaching technique of demonstrating a situation and the various ways to react and then overseeing the students as they practiced what they had seen. The students learned different body stances, ways to get out of grips and holds, and the importance of always being aware of your surroundings and to be scanning your environment.

“We had 100% participation from our students,” Hitchner said. “They really liked what they learned and understood how valuable it is.” Hitchner said McGee also offered each student one free self defense class at his martial arts studio.