The weeklong Youth Citizens Police Academy included a self-defense component. Credit: Leslie Yager
Youth Citizens Police Academy Self-Defense Training: Fighting Stance. Make a Fist. Jab, Jab. Credit: Leslie Yager
On Thursday about 60 teenagers, mostly middle-schoolers from Greenwich Public Schools, had a lesson in self defense as part of the weeklong Greenwich Police Youth Citizens Academy.
Officer Jason Levy, Alex Testani and Alan Pesce worked with the boys and girls, teaching them many self-defense techniques including “shrimping,” a key technique for getting away so you can get into a full guard position.
Though the children were giggling, the message got through, including not to trust strangers who give them candy, how to throw a punch (thumbs on the outside), and protect their eyes when throwing jabs.
Youth Citizens Police Academy Self-Defense Training: Fighting Stance. Make a Fist. Jab, Jab.
Youth Citizens Police Academy Self-Defense Training: Fighting Stance. Make a Fist. Jab, Jab. Credit: Leslie Yager
“When you’re throwing a punch, your other hand stays right up by your face,” Officer Levy instructed. After some practice some of the instruction became muscle-memory for the students.
The students also learned “the hook,” which involves pivoting from your fighting stance with the left leg and punching from your left.
The youth citizens Police academy is one of the most popular programs run by Greenwich Police. Though there were about 60 enrolled, there were still 25 students turned away. Watch this space for future opportunities and RSVP quickly.
Youth Citizens Police Academy Self-Defense Training: Fighting Stance. Make a Fist. Jab, Jab. Credit: Leslie Yager
Youth Citizens Police Academy Self-Defense Training: Fighting Stance. Make a Fist. Jab, Jab.
Youth Citizens Police Academy Self-Defense Training: Fighting Stance. Make a Fist. Jab, Jab. Credit: Leslie Yager
Youth Citizens Police Academy Self-Defense Training: Fighting Stance. Make a Fist. Jab, Jab. Credit: Leslie Yager
Youth Citizens Police Academy Self-Defense Training: Fighting Stance. Make a Fist. Jab, Jab. Credit: Leslie Yager
Youth Citizens Police Academy Self-Defense Training: Fighting Stance. Make a Fist. Jab, Jab. Credit: Leslie Yager
Youth Citizens Police Academy Self-Defense Training: Fighting Stance. Make a Fist. Jab, Jab. Credit: Leslie Yager
Youth Citizens Police Academy Self-Defense Training: Fighting Stance. Make a Fist. Jab, Jab. Credit: Leslie Yager
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