'It’s Very Helpful': Law Enforcement Holds Free-Self Defense Class In Broken Arrow

Dozens of people now know new self-defense tactics thanks to a class held Thursday by the Broken Arrow Police Department and the Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office.

The people got to practice taking down an attacker and escaping, as well as learning about resources from law enforcement.

11-year-old Meelah Robbins says she learned a lot and is more confident in her abilities.

“It’s kind of easy to be like, yeah, I can do all of this when you know it’s coming,” said Robbins. “But when you don’t, it’s like fight or flight, you know?”

They learned tactics to use in a fight, but also how to deal with the mental struggle that comes with being attacked.

Captain Josh McCoy with Broken Arrow Police is glad so many people showed up.

“It’s a very good thing to see as a police officer here in our community: people that are taking active steps and practical steps to keep themselves safe,” said McCoy. “For us as a police department, that’s a win when we can get our citizens to engage and come out, have conversations with us, and learn from us about the things that we see.”

McCoy hopes that this will also help more people keep their heads on a swivel, which could help the police solve crimes. 

“Always be aware of your surroundings, and that for self-defense, for self-protection, that’s huge, but also, it can help other people,” said McCoy. “If you’re aware of everything that’s going on around you, you might see something that someone else doesn’t see. You might be that witness that we need to investigate a crime.”

Robbins wants everyone to give the class a try and learn.

“It’s very helpful and to try and do the stuff,” said Robbins. “You’ll know how to do it better if you go for it and do the stuff rather than just watch.”

The next self-defense class will be held on Nov. 7, and spots are limited so you need to sign up ahead of time.