NOTEBOOK: Thinking of workplace safety, self-defense
SUZANNE BEHNKE Sep 19, 2018 | 7:50 pm
1 min read time
251 wordsArts and Culture, Business Record Insider, The Insider NotebookHeartbreaking cases of young women being attacked have been in the headlines — nationally and, unfortunately, locally.
The tragic news of the Iowa State University golfer being killed this week and the disappearance and death of Mollie Tibbetts have resulted in one small-business owner seeing an increase in requests for self-defense classes for the workplace.
As a result, Josh Riessen, owner of several Farrell’s Extreme Bodyshaping and Martial Arts locations in Greater Des Moines, said the gym is offering a free self-defense course at 6:30 p.m. Friday at its Beaverdale site.
“We have multiple calls a day from individuals and small groups. Recently we’ve done self-defense classes for Hubbell and Holmes Murphy. We’ve also done a lot of them for Realtor groups. Day cares and schools are also wanting training,” said Riessen, who previously worked for Meredith Corp.
A quick Google search for self-defense classes in Greater Des Moines shows multiple martial arts studios offering self-defense courses as well.
The Tibbetts case prompted greater interest, it seems.
“Now, we get calls nearly every day asking about classes — both private and regular classes in the gym. We find that it typically falls into an organization’s focus on employee wellness,” Riessen said. “And it’s nearly a necessity for any company that has employees or agents meeting with people off-site at all hours.”
Riessen’s operations are considering expanding what they offer. The course is taught by martial arts instructors with black belts.
If interested, you can ask about the program here.