A Hawaii martial arts school is offering free self-defense training for women of all ages following a recent attempted kidnapping on Oahu.

• Central Oahu Jiu-Jitsu runs a program called Women Empowered, teaching basic self-defense moves for real-life attack scenarios.
• The techniques focus on setting physical boundaries and escaping common grab situations, like being grabbed from behind, by the hair, or pinned against a wall.
• The class is open to all ages (12 and up) and physical abilities, with instructors saying the moves work regardless of age or strength.
• The program also partners with a domestic violence advocacy group to teach similar skills to schools and community groups across the islands.

Outlook: The academy is holding a free women's self-defense workshop Wednesday evening and continues offering free trials and community outreach sessions going forward.