The Zachary Police Department will be conducting two days of free self-defense instruction for women in the Zachary community.

The self-defense classes are intended for women/girls ages 13 and up and will be instructed by Lt. Roderick Ennis of the ZPD.

Lynette Ennis will be assisting her husband with the self-defense seminars.

The class teaches self-defense 101 strategies such as establishing a ground base (solid planting of the feet), learning how to get yourself free from an attacker choking you, grabbing your arm or coming from behind and putting you into an unsuspecting head lock.

Groups of women will pair up to practice the easy-to-learn moves, and by the end of the two-hour session, women are escaping choke holds - while standing or lying on their backs - and will begin to feel a sense of power.

"These classes are invaluable," said Olga, a Zachary resident who took the class last year. "I have learned so much, and I feel stronger already."

Lt. Ennis says the main thing to remember is "always be aware of your surroundings."

The Ennises are experienced martial artists who practice Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, a combination of martial arts and self-defense moves.

"It's better to know this and not need it, then to need it and not have it," Ennis said of the self-defense tactics. "Most attacks on women are by someone they know. It's imperative women learn some form of self-defense."

The classes are scheduled for Wednesday, Nov. 28, and Thursday, Nov. 29, from 5-7 p.m. in the training room at the Zachary PD, which is located in the rear of the department. (Parking is available behind the station in the back lot.)

The first 50 participants to sign up by e-mail or phone will be accepted, but do not delay, as both classes are expected to fill quickly.

To register, please e-mail bhannum@zacharypd.org or call 654-0073.