Stillwater Public Library (SPL) and Stillwater Martial Arts are offering a free self-defense class for teens in grades 5-12 on Friday, April 18, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. “Self-Defense Against the Dark Arts” welcomes teens to a beginner-friendly class on how to defend themselves and gain confidence. This program will be held outside in the library courtyard but will be moved inside to Stillwater Martial Arts if inclement weather occurs. Registration is recommended for this program.

The class will teach teens to set verbal and physical boundaries and help them learn to avoid dangerous situations. All lessons will be new material not previously learned at last year’s self-defense program, allowing both new and experienced teens the opportunity to expand their skills. Healthy snacks and water will also be provided by the Friends of the Stillwater Public Library.

Jordan Stine, teen librarian, urges teens who struggle with self-confidence to consider joining the library for this program.

“The library and Stillwater Martial Arts hope that this program helps teens learn how to stand up for themselves and others without the need to get into fights,” Stine said. “We want attendees who come to library programs to go home having learned something new.”

Experienced Stillwater Martial Arts trainers Craig Nichols and Lauren Sneed will teach this class. Nichols and Sneed are lead instructors with the school and have over 14 years of instruction experience. They work to empower students through classes such as this one.

“We plan to offer a safe and positive environment that fosters confidence and positivity in our students,” Nichols said. “Classes and outreaches like the ones we do with the library help teens train to build confidence, a necessary skill that helps teens later on in life.”

Both Nichols and Stine hope that teens who attend not only pick up new techniques that help them learn how to defend themselves but also that they make friends through the program.

“What makes programs like these great is the friends you make at the library,” Stine said. “Having a safe environment where you feel comfortable enough to ask questions fosters a healthy environment and being able to work with Stillwater Martial Arts to see local teens grow and stick up for others is incredibly rewarding to see.”

Instructors and librarians advise teens to wear comfortable clothing appropriate for mild physical activity. This program will not contain lessons about learning how to punch and kick others. Teens will learn how to defend themselves without hurting one another, and any attendee who doesn’t follow the rules or guidelines will be asked to leave the program.

“Self-Defense Against the Dark Arts” is free and open to all teens in Payne County. Teens are encouraged to register online at tinyurl.com/SPLSelfDefense. Registration is recommended so librarians and instructors can provide the appropriate number of resources. If inclement weather sets in on the day of the program, the program will be moved to Stillwater Martial Arts, located at 824 S. Main Street.