Arkansas Self Defense owner: “Being caught by surprise is never a good thing, but there are some things you can do to maybe mitigate those things”

Little Rock, Arkansas — Ann Marie Gibbs, owner of Arkansas Self Defense, has made it her mission to ensure that everyone has the necessary skills to protect themselves. “Being caught by surprise is never a good thing, but there are some things you can do to maybe mitigate those things,” she said.

According to Gibbs, she teaches Krav Maga, military self-defense used by the Isreal Defense Forces.

“It’s basically street fighting,” said Gibbs. “There are no rules. We teach people to always be aware, but if something happens, you fight like crazy, whether that’s biting or eye gouging or whatever you have to do to get home alive.”

Gibbs teaches her students confidence throughout everyday life.

“A lot of the things you have to learn when it comes to protecting yourself is to project confidence,” she said. “A bad person does not want somebody that’s going to fight. They want an easy target. They want somebody that they can easily grab and get. They don’t want somebody that’s going to fight and just go crazy.”

With her classes, Gibbs goes through every possible scenario, whether beginner or intermediate, for the best possible outcome, adding, “I mean there’s not any situation where you’re completely helpless in. There’s always something you can do.”

Arkansas Self Defense also has lessons for children.