Class teaches participants to ‘fight like a girl’
By Kathy McCarty
Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE — Andy LeBlanc, a local businessman and martial arts instructor, is on a mission to help the women and youth of the Star City learn how to protect themselves.
“I want you to come out and learn how to ‘fight like a girl,’” said Andy LeBlanc, owner of LeBlanc’s School of Martial Arts, located on Main Street near the Northeastland Hotel.
LeBlanc said while it may not “sound very powerful,” it really is.
“Kym Rock’s Fight Like a Girl is a 10-year proven program that teaches women and kids to think smarter and have the skills and awareness to keep themselves out of dangerous situations. Fight Like a Girl also trains women and girls to get away from an attacker, abuser or abductor — something we all need to know and practice,” he said.
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. LeBlanc’s class empowers women and children, teaching them ways to avoid becoming a victim.
“There are 77 million victims of abuse every year in the United States and one in three women and children in our country become victims of violent abuse. Every day, over 2,000 kids are abducted in the U.S.,” he said.
“This program is important. Fight Like a Girl not only teaches personal violence prevention, but has a fitness allure that brings women together to empower them in their safety and helps them protect their kids,” continued LeBlanc.
The course is being offered in Presque Isle, said LeBlanc, with the hope that “we can make a difference together.”
A free seminar will be held on Monday, Oct. 10, at LeBlanc’s School of Martial Arts, located at 450 Main St. Sign-in is at 6 p.m., with the seminar scheduled to begin at 6:30 p.m.
“Girls and ladies ages 10 and up are welcome and no experience or fitness level is required,” said LeBlanc.
Kym Rock — seven-time world karate champion, United States Martial Arts Hall of Fame member, World Karate Union Hall of Fame member, U.S. martial arts karate Instructor of the Year, U.S. martial arts Weapons Instructor of the Year, president and founder of Fight Like a Girl and author of the “Fight Like A Girl” book series — is a former victim of domestic violence and cancer survivor who, according to LeBlanc, inspires women and girls to “take control of their safety and potential through their thoughts, decisions, actions and knowledge of these essential life-saving skills.”
“Change must begin somewhere, so let it be here and now for our kids and citizens,” he said.
Across the nation, LeBlanc said the Fight Like a Girl movement has reduced abuse, abduction, rape and murder in the U.S. and protects people from personal oppression and attacks.
LeBlanc, a certified FLAG instructor, is hosting this event to help unleash the powerful potential of people held back by abuse, past or present.
“The program aims to empower all women and children to have greater self-worth and the confidence to fulfill their dreams,” said LeBlanc.
All interested individuals are encouraged to participate.
“Please spread the word to all your friends; get a group together and come out on Oct. 10 to LeBlanc’s School of Martial Arts in Presque Isle at 6 p.m. Have some fun, learn and laugh a lot, while developing unique and valuable personal protection skills and train yourself and your kids to be safer,” said LeBlanc.
Register by calling 227-5934 or e-mail fightlikeagirlmaine@gmail.com.
