Goochland hosts affordable self-defense class at sports complex

Goochland County Parks & Recreation offered an "Introduction to Self-Defense" class on Saturday, Jan. 10 at the Goochland Sports Complex dance studio. The co-ed, basic-level workshop ran from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., was open to participants ages 14 to 100, and listed Wade Dixon as the instructor with a $20 registration fee.

The two-hour session focused on fundamental hand-to-hand techniques and personal-safety skills intended for beginners. By keeping the fee modest and the age range broad, the course lowered common barriers that can keep teens, older adults, and families from accessing practical safety training in a more rural county.

Community-level prevention and preparedness are public health interventions. Basic self-defense training can increase situational awareness, boost confidence, and provide practical options that may reduce the severity of assaults when they occur. For Goochland residents, especially those who travel outside the county for work or school, locally available instruction offers a nearby opportunity to build those skills without long drives or high costs.

Parks and recreation departments often serve as the front line for community wellness beyond sports and leisure. Offering programs that address safety and personal empowerment aligns with broader goals to prevent injury and trauma and to connect residents with activities that support mental and physical wellbeing. Low-cost, inclusive offerings also help address equity concerns by making training accessible to people with limited discretionary income.

The event's co-ed, multi-generational format may encourage neighbors to train together and normalize conversations about safety within families and social networks. That kind of social connection can improve uptake and retention of skills, while also making it easier for community members to recommend classes to one another.

Looking ahead, sustaining and expanding these offerings will depend on local budget choices, volunteer and instructor availability, and community demand. County leaders and residents who want more frequent or advanced self-defense options may consider advocating for continued funding of Parks & Recreation programming or proposing partnerships with regional nonprofits and trainers.

The takeaway? Local, low-cost classes like this one put practical tools within reach for Goochland residents of many ages. If you missed the Jan. 10 session, check the Parks & Recreation calendar for future opportunities, bring a friend, and practice the basics regularly — small steps can add up to greater confidence and safety in everyday life. Our two cents? Make training a neighborhood habit and keep each other safer.