Happening Now

Gadsden State Community College Police Department Hosts Free Advanced Women’s Self-Defense Class

Photos from previous Women’s Self-Defense classes; Instructors include the Gadsden State Police & Public Safety Department, as well as officers from surrounding agencies in Etowah County.
Photos from previous Women’s Self-Defense classes; Instructors include the Gadsden State Police & Public Safety Department, as well as officers from surrounding agencies in Etowah County.

Gadsden, AL – The Gadsden State Community College Police Department is offering a free Advanced Women’s Self-Defense Class on Saturday, April 19, at the Beck Conference Center on the Wallace Drive Campus. This educational and empowering course is open to women ages 13 and up and aims to provide valuable self-protection skills.

The class will run from 8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., covering key topics such as:

  • Situational Awareness – Understanding surroundings and potential threats.
  • Legal Insights – Learning self-defense laws and personal rights.
  • Hands-on Self-Defense Techniques – Practical training in physical defense tactics.
  • Firearm Awareness and Safety – An introduction to responsible firearm handling.

Following a lunch break, an optional shooting range session will be available from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Participants wishing to join this portion must bring a functioning handgun and 50 rounds of ammunition.

Application

The event is made possible through the support of skilled instructors from various agencies and local sponsors. Chief of Police Jay Freeman emphasized the significance of this training, stating, “This class is about more than just physical defense—it’s about empowering women with knowledge, confidence, and a strong sense of preparedness. We want every participant to leave feeling stronger, smarter, and more capable of protecting themselves and those around them.”

Women interested in attending can register by calling 256-549-8276 or emailing jfreeman@gadsdenstate.edu or efeemster@gadsdenstate.edu. More details can be found at GadsdenState.edu/Safety.

Photos from previous Women’s Self-Defense classes; Instructors include the Gadsden State Police & Public Safety Department, as well as officers from surrounding agencies in Etowah County.
Photos from previous Women’s Self-Defense classes; Instructors include the Gadsden State Police & Public Safety Department, as well as officers from surrounding agencies in Etowah County.

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