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Chico Group Offers Free Self-Defense Classes Amid Political Tensions
Ex-Marine teaches protest safety skills to help locals feel secure at demonstrations
✍️By ZRIntel Editorial Team📍Chico, California
CHICO, Calif. In response to heightened political tensions and concerns over protest safety, a small Chico-based online community has begun meeting in person for free self-defense classes. The group, organized through Reddit, is led by Kevin, a former U.S. Marine Corps Martial Arts Program instructor and ex-physical education teacher. Kevin says his goal is to give people confidence and practical skills to feel safer while attending demonstrations, especially in light of reported intimidation tactics by federal agencies. Classes are held in public parks and are tailored for beginners, with accommodations for participants with health limitations. Kevin focuses on scenario-based training, de-escalation tactics, and escape techniques for situations such as being grabbed or attacked from behind. His own protest experience includes being threatened and shoved at a local political event, though he chose not to respond physically. He uses Reddits community features to vet participants, aiming to filter out those who might disrupt the course. Attendees, like local protester Jebus Kristoph, describe the group as not just about self-defense, but about building mutual support.