The Sportsplex is having Brazilian jiu jitsu self-defense classes from 10 a.m. to noon each Saturday in May.
The classes are for people 12 and older, and no prior training is necessary.
Participants will learn 12 techniques to defend themselves both from a standing position and from the ground.
"It's for anybody 12 and older, men or women. It would really benefit anybody," said Ben Smith, who's assisting with teaching the class. "Brazilian jiu jitsu is designed for a smaller, less athletic person to be able to defend themselves from a larger, more athletic, more aggressive opponent. It's more about efficiency of technique and strategy. It's not based on size or speed of any kind. It works just as well if you weigh 115 pounds or 200 pounds."
The cost for the classes is $20, which will be donated to Domestic Violence Prevention Inc. Class size is limited to 30 people.
"If we have more sign up, we'll add more class times. We would love to do that. Our focus is to expose as many people as possible. We're not doing it to make a profit. We're volunteering our time and donating the proceeds," Smith said.
To sign up, call Ben Smith at 903-748-3466 or sign up with Dakota at the Sportsplex at 5610 Richmond Road, Texarkana, Texas.
The classes are sponsored by HealthCARE Express and Texarkana Jiu Jitsu.