Kicking butts and taking names

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Desiree Economides
  • 374th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
TACHIKAWA CITY, Japan --  Members of the Mrs. Sakura Organization traveled to the Tachikawa Women's Center AIM Mar. 10 to teach a self-defense class to teens from the neighboring city.

The class is the first of many different courses, which the organization hopes to teach in the community surrounding Yokota Air Base, Japan.

"We have a number of talented women in our organization with various areas of expertise and we want to share that with our community," said Angie Johnson, MSO president.

The reigning Mrs. Sakura, Kristi McFadden, is a fifth degree black belt in Bujinkan Taijutsu. Utilizing her training, McFadden taught the self-defense class along with the assistance of other members of the organization.

Though the class taught hands-on self-defense, it focused more on being aware of your surroundings and protecting oneself.

"Be smart," said McFadden during the class. "Learn how to walk with confidence, purpose and good posture. Scan the crowd and be aware of your surroundings. Don't let yourself become too absorbed in your daily routine that you ignore your surroundings."

By teaching the self-defense class, the organization was able to strengthen the relationship with the locals.

"It was a great experience to engage with the Tachikawa community," said Leigha Hoff, a MSO member and class participant. "It was nice to work with a younger generation and I hope we will get the opportunity to teach more soon."

The MSO is a private organization at Yokota, which focuses on the education, community service and empowerment of women and young girls in the community.