The Fighting Chance is Beth’s studio where she teaches
self-defense. She’s had her studio for five years and is widely respected among
those in her line of business throughout Central Florida. She started out as a
student when a girl she knew was raped and killed. Later she became an assistant
and then became an instructor.
Helping others, showing them how brave and strong they
can be is her mission. She hates to see women and children abused and strives
to give them all a fighting chance.
Here’s an excerpt in Donovan’s perspective as he views
her class.
Excerpt:
The sun was submerging into the horizon, leaking oranges
and pinks across the sky. Seeing such a beautiful sunset brought back the
memory of the bruised skies from Hurricane Sabrina’s bulking mass.
Amazing how nature can reward us with beautiful things
one moment then punish us on a whim.
He entered the studio to the sound of sneakers pounding
the blue mat and gloved hands punching protective gear. Corissa, Beth’s front
desk receptionist, a young woman with 24-karat gold hair and diamond eyes—a
pale gray bordering on translucence—beamed at him as she put down her
psychology book.
He glanced at the blue mat where Beth coached seven
people on how to get out of a bear hug by lifting their elbows and rotating
from side to side as fast as they could. Some connected with the head of their
attacker and others didn’t, but the objective was to loosen the hold around
their middle so they could spin out of the hug, grab their attacker, and finish
with a knee to the groin.
Donovan had been amazed when he saw Beth’s studio the
first time. She had done a great job creating her business and studio. White
walls with purple words—Strength, Rise, Strive, Live—encouraged her students as
they learned to protect themselves. At the far end of the room, Beth had turned
the wall into a slate of signatures. Everyone who had ever set foot on the blue
mat had signed his or her name. Quite a lot of names were already scribbled in
permanent marker.
QUESTION: If it were real, would you go to Beth’s studio?
You betcha. A girl needs to know how to protect herself. :-)
ReplyDeletesherry @ fundinmental
High-five, Sherry!
DeleteI think I would; I agree that a girl (and guys too) need to learn how to protect themselves.
ReplyDeletebetty
Yes! There are men and women in her class. :D
DeleteEveryone should learn how to better protect themselves. Glad we get to see more into her world of self defence.
ReplyDeleteWe even get to see into Donovan's world of monster truck driving a little. :)
DeleteTruthfully? I'd pull up a Youtube video and learn. =) Not that I wouldn't love to get out a little, but I'm pretty confined these days.
ReplyDeleteYouTube videos are helpful. I watched several to learn how to write defense moves.
DeleteGreat excerpt, Chrys!! I'm sorry, but I won't be visiting the studio. The last time I stepped into one, I managed the lesson then tripped on the mat and badly sprained my ankle :):) Couldn't walk for weeks :) But I might pop in for a healthy shake if there's one going :)
ReplyDeleteOuch! I wouldn't blame you. Straining an ankle isn't fun.
DeleteI'd probably break myself lol but it would be fun to learn and sounds like one I'd go to if real.
ReplyDeleteI think I'd break myself too but I do like to do beginners kick boxing, so it'd be fun.
Deletebruised skies. Love it. That's some excellent imagery!!!
ReplyDeleteTHANK YOU!!! :D
DeleteI would go to Beth's studio. Self defense is important, especially in a big city.
ReplyDeleteAwesome! I bet you'd be one of her top students. :)
DeleteMy wife knows some self-defense, but fortunately she's never tried that trick to getting out of a bear hug on me.
ReplyDeleteThat's good. Wouldn't want you to get hurt. :p
DeleteThanks for sharing the excerpt.
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome!
DeleteHave you heard of Damsel in Distress? I think that's what it's called. It's a line of self defense items marketed to women.
ReplyDeleteNo, I haven't. That's neat!
DeleteLove this idea! Should be a high school class or two for young girls. They need to be taught early on, not only the dangers but how to deal with them! And as far as I'm concerned the earlier the better!
ReplyDeleteBeth started going to self-defense classes in high school because a girl she knew was killed. I agree, there should be self-defense part of gym class.
DeleteGreat excerpt. Good to know. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteThank you. :)
DeleteAnd interesting studio, but what's going to happen... I would probably go although I've never been much for martial arts or self-defense classes (but for some weird reason, I dreamed about buying boxing gloves the other night)
ReplyDeleteAnd Beth could teach you how to use those boxing gloves. ;)
DeleteI'd be interested in paying a visit, though there are probably certain things I couldn't do on account of my metal hardware in my right leg. When my best friend and I were being bothered by a bully in fifth grade, her mother taught us how to punch just in case he ever tried anything when he was following us on the way to her house.
ReplyDeleteThere would be things I wouldn't be able to do with the metal in my back. We could do our best! :D
DeleteSure, I would. Some time ago, I did consider signing up a self-defence class. But I strain my back very easily these days, so I''d better let it heal first. I think self-defence classes are very important for women, especially those living in big cities.
ReplyDeleteYes, let your back heal first. I know what it's like to have a bad back.
DeleteI defend myself only with words. If that doesn't help, I would run away. I've never been into a physical fight >:)
ReplyDeleteCold As Heaven
I've never been in a physical fight either, but you never know when you may have to defend yourself.
Delete