Senator Addabbo Hosts Self-Defense Training to Raise Awareness During Sexual Assault Awareness Month

Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr. is taking a proactive stance during Sexual Assault Awareness Month by organizing a free interactive self-defense training class to empower the public against potential attacks.

The event will be held on Thursday, April 24, 2025, from 7:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. at the Shops at Atlas Park (on the Center Green) located at 8000 Cooper Avenue, Glendale, NY 11385.

An average of 463,634 individuals aged 12 or older fall victim to rape and sexual assault each year in the United States, according to RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) the nation's largest anti-sexual violence organization.

“Sexual Assault survivors experience severe physical and emotional consequences,” Addabbo said. “This event aims to increase public understanding about violence while providing participants with self-defense skills to help them become more capable of protecting themselves.”

At Senator Addabbo's event, participants of all ages will have the opportunity to learn effective and practical techniques to evade or defend against attackers. The class will be taught by instructors from Tiger Schulmann’s Glendale.

In addition to the training, resources will be provided on-site by the NYPD Special Victims Department and Safe Horizon, offering vital support services to victims of criminal sexual assault.

Tiger Schulmann's will focus on empowering men and women to be more aware on potentially dangerous situations when it comes to sexual assault.  The one-hour class will be broken up in two parts. Those who complete the class will receive a coupon for one week of FREE classes at Tiger Schulmann’s Glendale.

“Tiger Schulmann's Glendale is honored to be a part of this event and feel it is important to pass on the knowledge to keep the community safe,” said Chris Iavarone, Owner and Manager of Tiger Schulmann’s Glendale.

During the first half of the event, there will be a brief introduction covering empowerment, knowledge, awareness and confidence, through proper technique. Attendees will learn how to stand to protect themselves as well as different ranges of striking from far, mid and close distance. Learning how to throw punches, kicks and elbows to escape will also be taught. 

During the second half of the event, instructors will dive deeper into demonstrating close-range situational attacks by having participants engage with each other in a safe practice which will include releasing from attackers’ grips and potential attacks that end up on the ground.  This event will engage participants mentally and physically. The instruction will end with a discussion on common sense safety tips with a condensed handout to take home.

“I would like to thank all of our partners for making this important event possible,” Addabbo said. “I would especially like to thank Tiger Schulmann’s Glendale for their generosity in donating free classes so that people can explore whether they want to continue their self-defense journey.”