Mommy Bootcamp Promotes Fitness and Self-Defense in San Angelo

Women empowering women is a common theme these days, and today, a few women took the initiative to do so through fitness.

Adriene Anderson, stationed at Goodfellow Air Force Base, said, in August 2015, she and a few associates were trying to find fitness classes that were affordable and where they could meet other moms. After much searching, they concluded they themselves had always been into fitness and decided to start their own classes where they could offer free services to busy moms who also wanted to get in shape.

Their "free fitness classes" offer a variety of disciplines including, but not limited to, yoga, Piloxing, cardio and strength classes. They also cater to all fitness levels. Classes were initially held throughout the week and weekend at the base, but recently, the group decided to expand into the community.

This morning, at 9 a.m., the group held the first "Fundamentals of Self-Defense Class," which is open to the general public. Mark Ledesma, trainer for "Target Hardening Self-Defense" was the guest instructor. Several women of all ages and sizes filed into the St. Mark Presbyterian Church's Community Room, located on the corner of University and Johnson Streets, near ASU. Each attendee had a smile on their face, workout clothes, water bottles in hand, and the excitement of learning something new. A few women had small children in tow, and one of the volunteers led the children to another room so the women could focus on the day's event. Each participant also signed a waiver of liability and then took their seats facing the mat in the center of the room.

Ledesma started out by outlining the importance of learning self-defense strategies and gave various scenarios where what they would be learning today might be of some value. He stressed, "Always be aware of your surroundings."

Ledesma added that he would rather the women be able to use any kind of self-defense, should the situation arise, rather than do nothing. He said his is usually a four-hour class, but today, the class was for one hour. Ledesma stressed for the women to use what they learned responsibly, and only in situations that require it.

As Ledesma explained various maneuvers, including basic hand gestures, elbow, knee, and leg strike techniques, he allowed the students to perform each on him and his assistant, whom he referred to as "Just call me Johnny."  Johnny was a real trooper when it came to paired exercises. He bravely braced "Bob," the mannequin, as one by one the women lined up to deliver their best body shots. He also held the punch-and-kick pads while the ladies tried to hit their marks, but in a way that wouldn't impact him too much.

Ledesma is a retired USMC Officer of 20 years with the 315th Training Squadron specializing in Intel. During his active duty, he was the Chief Instructor for the USMC Martial Arts program. He has experience in Taekwondo, Judo, Jujitsu, and Akido, holding black belts in each, with some Krav Maga skills. His concentration, however, is in ground fighting.

Ledesma stated, "Every class is a building-block technique, and the goal in this particular class was to build a foundation for the students." He added that he "welcomes newcomers and will always refresh the class before beginning at any stage."

Ledesma's daughter, Taylor, 18, is a senior at Central High School and "enjoys working out with her Dad."  She said she grew up in Okinawa, Japan, and they came to San Angelo in 2007. Taylor started learning self-defense in the 4th grade.

"He wanted me to know something in the event something happened in high school, and I approached it as a learning experience," Taylor said. She added that, unfortunately, she "had to use it twice last year on one male and one female." 

For people interested in learning what she has, Taylor said, "It's great, comes in handy at times, and it's fun."

Johnny's teen daughter also got in on the action, as did one of the mom's small children, who wanted to mimic her in all the fun. They all got to practice getting out of choke holds, and perhaps the most humorous one was getting away from the typical drunk guy scenario.

Many of us are familiar with that one guy at the club who staggers up and tosses his arm around an unreceptive female's shoulder. Well, that won't be a nuisance to these ladies anymore as they are now prepared. Ledesma also demonstrated how to get away, should these women ever find themselves in a predicament with another woman who is a "hair puller."

All in all, the women said they found the class informative, and the camaraderie and skills learned today set the mood and eagerness to learn more in the next class. Anderson said she was grateful for all the women who came out and said she hopes more women will join. 

Eventually, they will also provide regular nutrition classes to promote healthy eating in families. For more information, visit the group on Facebook at Mommy Bootcamp - Goodfellow, or call Adriene Anderson at (402)779-9191.