NORTH SALEM, N.Y. – Eight peer leaders from North Salem High School participated in Verbal Self-Defense Classes, taught by Davide Gristina of Somers based Krav Maga New York.

The goal was to learn how to fight back at a bully by using your own words and attitude. Students were taught to remain calm in stressful situations and maintain control while confronting anger.

One of the segments concentrated on ways of helping others by removing the targeted person, as well as using humor, language and eye contact to maintain an influence of power, strength and control.

Students in the workshop practiced techniques by creating their own scenarios to implement what they had learned.

Another segment of the program reminded students that their behavior reflects not only themselves, but on their families, their schools and their communities. In the long run, they were told, a positive impression and attitude can be an effective tool and even a deterrent to bullying.

At the end of the workshop, the tenth- and eleventh-graders commented, “Now I know how to evaluate a situation and handle it,” and “I learned how to react so I can defuse conflict,” and “These skills will help me in school and also in the future.”

The peer leaders are now in a position to assist groups of fellow students in learning the defensive techniques.

Any interested student may sign up by contacting Jennifer Galligan or Grace Carnevali at North Salem High School.

If you would like further information about Self Defense Classes, contact Krav Maga New York at (877) Krav-Maga, or email Admin@kmny.us.

This article (updated in 2023) appeared in The Somers Daily Voice on 9/30/13.