NEW LEBANON, N.Y. – The New Lebanon firehouse was filled with motivated men and women, animated toward a great cause on Saturday morning.
A self-defense class was being held to raise funds toward Tawnya Underhill's medical expenses. Tawnya was the victim of a 2000 brutal domestic violence incident which left her permanently paralyzed.
John Borter, head instructor of Albany's Modern Self Defense Academy, organized Saturday's event.
The class taught a method of self-defense that relies on three methodical tactics.
"We're trying to teach tips and tricks," said Borter. "How to be aware of your surroundings. How to recognize a potentially dangerous situation. And understanding where your boundaries are. What you're allowed to put up with and what you shouldn't put up with. It's a tough psychological hurdle for some people."
Borter expressed his happiness with the program's outreach so far and his hopes for the program's growth in the future.
"It's a necessary thing," said Borter of the self-defense classes. "It's the nature of the world we're in. Desperate people in desperate times do desperate things. I think this class is going to help."
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