Forget the movie trope of the defenseless old lady. Thanks to a recent self-defense class at the Bernardston Senior Center, approximately a dozen local seniors are now armed with the skills needed to fight back and escape an unexpected attack.
Following a highly popular session in March, the Bernardston Senior Center brought back instructor Sharon McGuinness last week for a follow-up class. McGuinness, a Greenfield native, personal trainer and former Maine police officer, taught local seniors practical techniques to protect themselves.
“This is mostly about safety and how to make yourself safe,” McGuinness said. “The idea is to give you as many tools as possible to help get you out of a situation.”
McGuinness told attendees that one of the first things they need to know about self-defense is being aware of their environment — potential threats, escape routes and exits. She added they should let friends and family members know of their plans and where they are headed, be cognizant of dark areas, listen to their gut and if they are uncomfortable or nervous, ask for help.
“Don’t put yourself in an easy position,” McGuinness said.
Bernardston residents practice their self defense moves during class held at the Senior Center last week. Credit: MADISON SCHOFIELD / Staff Photo 
Personal Trainer Sharon McGuinness leads a self defense class at the Bernardston Senior Center. Credit: MADISON SCHOFIELD / Staff Photo 
Bernardston residents learned self defense techniques during a recent class at the Senior Center. Credit: MADISON SCHOFIELD / Staff Photo 
Bernardston residents practice self defense moves during a recent class at the Senior Center. Credit: MADISON SCHOFIELD / Staff Photo 
Sharon McGuinness leads a self defense class at the Bernardston Senior Center. Credit: MADISON SCHOFIELD / Staff Photo
She said that if approached by someone looking to do harm, they should hold their hands up in a protective position and be loud and firm when saying “no,” and if the situation escalates, they should use what they have available to get away from a would-be attacker. Whether it’s butting the attacker’s nose with the heel of their hand, poking their eyes or grabbing and twisting their groin, any actions that can be taken to distract an attacker will allow them to get away.
Participants practiced throwing elbows and pulling away from attackers, and they were told that in self-defense situations, they need to be “as strong as they can” so they don’t fall to the ground, which would prevent them from being able to run away.
“That is your No. 1 self-defense technique — running away,” McGuinness said. “We want to get away, we want to put objects between us… If one strike gets me to be able to run away, that’s what I’m doing.”
