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PLAINS TWP. — Punches in bunches.

That was the advice of Kevin Hollock to about a dozen women gathered on Saturday to learn self defense.

Hollock, owner of the Fifth Dimension Martial Arts Academy, Route 315, opened his doors on Saturday to teach women how to live their lives confidently and safely.

The event was held in conjunction with October’s Domestic Violence Awareness Month, with several participants donning pink.

He encouraged participants to be loud and assertive when confronted by a dangerous situation.

He reviewed such topics as awareness, assertiveness, verbal skills, safety strategies and physical techniques.

He acknowledged that some of the techniques might seem uncomfortable or awkward, but in the long term they could be life saving.

His wife, Jennifer, remembers one of the first seminars in which she participated where her husband demonstrated what it is like to be confronted by an attacker.

With her husband coming at her forcefully and loudly, Jennifer cried.

“Some people thought he was being mean,” she said. “But he was trying to help me and other participants to realize how intimidating it might be to be in a situation like that and how you can fight back. You are not powerless.”

Jennifer credits attendees with taking the first step in acknowledging their need to be equipped for dangerous situations.

Each of them were quick to follow directives — including using various techniques such as kicking, yelling and putting their arms out in a protective manner .

“I had a friend that had someone take her purse away from her when she was leaving work. She felt she couldn’t fight back, so she just gave it to him,” said Jennifer. “We want people to know there are things they can do.”

Attendee Kristen Walsh of Kingston said the seminar was a wonderful and productive way to spend a Saturday morning.

“I came to learn how to defend myself,” she said. “They’re were ways to move and talk, that I never knew about. This is really good.”

The academy is offering a two-week free trial period to those who attended the seminar, and Walsh is looking forward to it.

Kevin Hollock, left, of Fifth Dimension Martial Arts Academy in Plains Township, demonstrates self defense techniques with student Ellen Lott of Blakeslee during a class on Saturday to help bring awareness to domestic violence.
https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/web1_selfdefense011.jpg.optimal.jpgKevin Hollock, left, of Fifth Dimension Martial Arts Academy in Plains Township, demonstrates self defense techniques with student Ellen Lott of Blakeslee during a class on Saturday to help bring awareness to domestic violence. Pete G. Wilcox | Times Leader

Kevin Hollock, of Fifth Dimension Martial Arts Academy in Plains Township, shows self defense techniques to students during a class on Saturday to help bring awareness to domestic violence.
https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/web1_selfdefense021.jpg.optimal.jpgKevin Hollock, of Fifth Dimension Martial Arts Academy in Plains Township, shows self defense techniques to students during a class on Saturday to help bring awareness to domestic violence. Pete G. Wilcox | Times Leader

By Geri Gibbons

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Reach Geri Gibbons at 570-991-6117 or on Twitter @TLGGibbons