Knowing what to do and what to expect in some potentially dangerous circumstances on the street can help keep you safe. Here’s a great chance to get some self-defense training.

Community members of all races, backgrounds, orientations, and income levels are invited to attend one or both of the Street Smarts, Safety, and Self-Defense workshops presented by neighbor Iris Marie Bloom tonight and October 30. Both workshops are at Studio 34 (4522 Baltimore Ave) from 6:00 to 7:45 p.m and are free (donations are appreciated).

Here’s what you can learn at each of these sessions:

• Skills and techniques to help you avoid, deter and resist assault
• Practice giving up “mugger money” as one way to stay safer
• A fierce yell — in case it’s needed!
• Strong stance, practical assessment of danger, and a “don’t mess with me” attitude
• Effective and practical tools for physical, verbal and emotional safety, assertiveness and self-defense

Iris Marie Bloom studied with Amulis Women’s Self-Defense where she learned karate, aikido, and other martial arts. She’s a founder of the Women’s Anti-Violence Education (WAVE) nonprofit organization.

This workshop was specifically designed for women, but the information is useful for men as well. For more information and to RSVP, email Patty Bulack of the 48th Street Neighbors at pbulack@gmail.com.