The next Strong Women self defense class will be held at 6 p.m. on Friday, June 20 at the Norwich High School. (Photo from The Place Facebook page)

NORWICH — The Strong Women self defense class will return on Friday, June 20 at 6 p.m. in the Norwich High School cafeteria, located at 89 Midland Drive in Norwich.

The class is free for Chenango County women and girls 14 years old and older. To register, contact The Place at 607-336-9696.

Instructor Christine Gould from the Oneonta Jiu Jitsu Academy will lead participants through jiu jitsu techniques useful for self defense.

"Jiu jitsu, it’s a grappling martial art, so these are things you can do in close range when somebody is grabbing you. What you can do if somebody grabs you from behind, if somebody puts you in a bear hug from the front," explained Oneonta Jiu Jitsu Academy Owner Wyatt Green. "If somebody tries to punch you or kick you, how to protect yourself, and in this case you stay close to them, because like I said, jiu jitsu is about grappling."

"We have two really great women instructors who have been training in jiu jitsu for a really long time now, and I think the women who take the classes will be really inspired by them, and they're really good teachers as well," he added.

The class is suitable for women and girls of all fitness and experience levels. Green said they will focus on beginner-level jiu jitsu techniques that focus on staying safe and escaping an attacker.