On Sunday, Knowles Karate Academy raised more than $450 for the Alexandria House women’s shelter by donating the proceeds from its introductory Women’s Self-Defense class. Students in the class were encouraged to find their inner warrior and support the work of Alexandria House, which has been helping women out of homelessness since 1996.
Founder and owner Michael Knowles and his wife Kathy organized the fundraiser when they learned about the work done at Alexandria House to support women. They decided to donate the fees paid by students for Sunday’s class, as well as any additional fees for students who signed up that day for the eight-week session.
Knowles developed his eight-week self-defense class for women so each class is a stand-alone session and students can start whenever it fits their schedule. Sunday’s class was an introduction to what students will learn and focused on how to escape if you are grabbed, how to strike if you need to, using your voice to scream or demand to be left alone; and if necessary, how to escape an attacker who’s on top of you and then run away. Knowles and his staff guided the women through learning the steps and helped students practice the moves.
The self-defense classes are taught at Knowles’ studio at 4378 West Third Street, at the corner of Third Street and Manhattan Place.
Thanks Patty! Great article.