Event Coverage
SILVAR Members Practice Safety, Self-Defense Techniques
SILVAR President Karen Trolan shows Maxine Chin, a REALTOR® with Keller Williams Realty, how to block the face of an assailant as co-instructor Alex Franckx looks on.
Last Friday, in observance of REALTOR® SAFETY Month and as an added benefit to members, SILVAR offered a free safety and self-defense training class. The class, which had close to 50 members in attendance, was taught by SILVAR President Karen Trolan and Pacific Coast Academy instructor Alex Franckx.
Trolan has a Taekwondo 2nd degree black belt, Kenpo Jujitsu first degree black belt, Jujitsu first degree brown belt, and ranked in Shinkendo and To Yama Ru. Franckx is a Ken Ju Ryu Jujitsu third degree black belt, Inyan Escrima and Danzan Ryu Jujitsu second degree black belt.
Attackers look for unsuspecting, vulnerable targets, so prevention is the best self-defense, the instructors told members. "If you act like a victim, you could be one. Therefore, be prepared and follow general safety tips, like being aware of your surroundings, know some self-defense moves, and think about other personal security precautions," said Trolan.
The participants, both men and women, were asked to choose a partner so they could practice self-defense moves that the instructors demonstrated. First and foremost, they were told when accosted, "be very loud, scream and run!"
"When you're in a confrontation, you only have a few seconds and a few moves to try," said Trolan. "Before an attacker has gained control of you, you must do everything you can to inflict injury so you can get away."
Members were taught to use their hands, fingers, palms, elbows, knees and even their feet to defend themselves and get away. They were taught different ways to hit an assailant, common holds and responses to an attack.
Trolan reminded REALTORS® that they can come across dangerous situations anytime while on the job. A threatening situation can arise while showing a home, or even in the midst of writing a contract. She urged them to practice the moves at home.
"Be confident in defending yourself. Unleash the inner energy even if you are really scared," Trolan told the class. "Your best strength is mental. You would be amazed how strong you are when you really need to fight. If you practice you will probably never have to use it."
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The Silicon Valley Association of REALTORS® (SILVAR) is a professional trade organization representing over 4,000 REALTORS® and Affiliate members engaged in the real estate business on the Peninsula and in the South Bay. SILVAR promotes the highest ethical standards of real estate practice, serves as an advocate for homeownership and homeowners, and represents the interests of property owners in Silicon Valley.
The term "REALTOR®" is a registered collective membership mark which identifies a real estate professional who is a member of the National Association of REALTORS® and who subscribes to its strict Code of Ethics.
For further information, please email or call the SILVAR office at (408) 200-0100.