Clients of Recovery Edge Peer Support took steps toward a better self Wednesday.
Jeff Driscoll, owner of Driscoll Karate Institute, Pottsville, told eight men and women fighting substance abuse and other problems that they need to be aware of their surroundings and take control.
"The best defense in the world ... is (to) use your mental awareness. If you use your mental awareness, you don't have to run," he said.
Recovery Edge Peer Support, 18 N. Second St., Pottsville, is a peer support recovery group for those with mental health, drug and alcohol issues. To date, it serves 75 clients, said Eddie Perhonitch, a forensic specialist and director of program operations with Recovery Edge Peer Support.
In all, 15 people, clients and Recovery Edge employees attended the hourlong session.
Perhonitch said the session, the second in a series of events over several months, gives clients another method for taking on their problems.
"This is also about recovery, alternate ways of treatments. How can we be community-based if we don't involve community businesses?" he said.
The clients attended the first session last month, which also covered awareness. A third session in August will cover meditation. Thereafter, in September, clients could learn how music impacts one's well-being. That event will be held at a yet-to-be determined place and will include a later trip to Philadelphia or New York to experience a community outside Schuylkill County.
Driscoll was donating his time to give back to the community.
For about an hour, those at the institute learned different techniques to protect themselves.
Before the demonstrations, Driscoll gave suggestions on how to be aware of your surroundings.
"The worst possible situation is for you to have to react to what happens," he said. "It's common sense things that make the difference."
For example, it's a good idea to look behind you when walking to make sure you are safe, Driscoll said.
"Most situations are about control," he said.
The fighting techniques Driscoll demonstrated include not standing with one's feet together, aiming for the inside of the pressure points inside the elbows - this disrupts the center of balance - and other maneuvers.
However, apologizing is another way to diffuse a situation, he said.
Sandra, 50, of Pottsville, said she learned a lot.
"I'm able to know what I have to do to get out of a situation in case I'm ever in a fight or something," she said.
Heather Arias, 35, of Pottsville, said the class made her feel empowered.
"It doesn't matter how big someone is, that makes a woman feel better. I feel more safe," she said of the possibility of defending herself against someone.