What better way to kick off Women’s History Month than by learning a couple of leg kick techniques? YouFit Gyms recently announced that several of its fitness clubs throughout South Florida are dedicating this month to empowering women by training them in self defense.
Free and open to the public (not just for members), the self defense classes will provide basic life-saving techniques, focused on helping women escape unwanted or threatening situations and bringing a sense of safety and hope.
The move follows a shocking incident in which Nashali Alma, a 24-year-old Tampa woman, was attacked by a man while she was working out in her apartment building’s gym in February. The video ultimately made the news and went viral on social media.
“As soon as he was approaching me, I pushed him,” Alma said in a Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office video. “I said, ‘Bro, what the F are you doing? Get away from me. Stop trying to touch me.’ He started chasing me around the bench and we ended up on the other side of the gym.”
Thankfully, she successfully fought off the man, but she wants others to know how to protect themselves in case they ever find themselves in a similar kind of scary situation. In fact, she’s partnering with YouFit in Carrollwood, FL as they’ll also be offering a free self-defense class.
All classes, which will last 1 hour to 1.5 hours depending on the location, will be held on Tuesday, March 21st. The following YouFit Gyms will be participating:
Dania Beach — 12 PM
- 140 South Compass Way, Dania Beach, FL, 33004
- Taught by Rodrigo Baga
Davie — 6 PM
- 8942 W State Road 84, Davie, FL, 33324
- Taught by Rodrigo Baga
Deerfield Beach — 4 PM
- 4032 W Hillsboro Blvd, Deerfield Beach, FL 33442
- Taught by AIKMO Krav Maga
Margate — 5 PM
- 3133 N State Road 7, Margate, FL, 33063
- Taught by AIKMO Krav Maga
South Pompano Beach — 5 PM
- 401 S Federal Hwy, Pompano Beach, FL, 33060
- Taught by AIKMO Krav Maga
While classes are free with RSVP, YouFit invites the public to support Alma’s mission by donating to her “Never Give Up” campaign via her GoFundMe. YouFit will also be adding more classes and gyms throughout the week, so stay up-to-date on their Instagram page here or their website.