It's an unwelcomed occurrence this evening, like too many evenings prior. Berkovits sees stars in his eyes as if he had just been hit over the head with a cartoon mallet. The women are left to enjoy their evening. Most women come because of raves from a friend or understanding of how essential self-defense is to women, but they leave with a better understanding of their personal boundaries and a confidence of being able to defend themselves. For three hours, six Sundays in a row, anywhere from six to 25 women and transgender people go from learning wrist escapes, to role plays - to throwing off someone who is laying on top of you.
Girls finally learn full attacks with punches, pressure points and kicks.
All the classes are taught by women who previously took the class. Berkovits, one of four women who currently make up the Girl Army Collective, took her first class in 1995, at 22. She saw self-defense as something every woman should know as part of her personal growth and empowerment. She felt like she wanted more after the first session. I now have the confidence that I can take care of myself in most situations.