College of the Canyons Campus Safety and Security Services officials are offering their free, bi-annual Personal Safety Self Defense Workshop Series beginning this week.

“We really feel it’s important because there’s so many young people that come to the campus,” said Tammy Castor, director of campus safety at COC. “You’re college age, starting your life, you’re moving out of you homes. You learn to take care of yourself.”

While college students can benefit from this workshop series, women from all ages are welcome to participate. Men are invited to participate, too.

“This one now is just for women, if we get enough men signed up, we will open another class,” Castor said. “Young or older, you’re gaining knowledge on how to protect yourself. It’s a general safety course and you get to practice hands on.”

The three-week course begins Wednesday, Oct. 7 from 5:30-8 p.m. in the East Gym 102 classroom on the Valencia campus.

“We’re going to have a lady who comes in and show her personal safety products. We’re going to talk about personal safety out and about,” Castor said. “This is where the women all get to know each other. Sometimes we have victims in the class and they’ll talk about things that have happened to them.”

The second class is planned for Wednesday, Oct. 14 from 5:30- 8 p.m. in the West Gym room 105.

“The second class is learning the moves,” Castor said, adding that participants learn self defense techniques using pads and mats.

The third class in the course is scheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 21 from 5:30-8 p.m. in the West Gym room 105.

“This is where you suit up in the ‘red man’ suit,” Castor said. “You actually get to see what it’s like to go up against someone is a physical fight. We have a debrief circle afterward, too.”

The course is taught by Castor and her team at COC, many of whom have law enforcement and military backgrounds.

“I think a lot of women are empowered from the course,” Castor said. “A lot of people don’t get that opportunity to practice self defense in a safe environment.”

For more information about the program, or if you want to RSVP, call 661-362-3516 or email tammy.castor@canyons.edu.