More than 25 alumni and students gathered on February 23 in Dickson Hall, Cohen Lounge to learn techniques to keep them safe on the streets. Graduates spanning from the class of 1959 to the most recent graduating class to students preparing to graduate in 2012 and 2013 came together for a fun and informative session on self-defense techniques.

Teaching a practical and effective method of street-smart self-defense, the seminar utilized training techniques that are geared towards a real world approach that help the participant to gain confidence and provided the tools necessary to survive and escape a realistic encounter. The workshop began with a welcome from Chief of the Montclair State University Police Department, Paul Cell.  The session was led by Captain Boyd Lyons.  Assisting with the seminar were other certified expert Martial Artists and Street Smart Self Defense Instructors, Bill Paris ’07 MAT and Carol Mainardi as well as Campus Police Officer, Andrew Burde ‘08.  In the first portion of the workshop, Captain Lyons discussed crime prevention issues as well as situational and environmental awareness.  In the second portion, alumni and students were on their feet, starting with a warm up an delving into physical techniques.  The seminar is taught in an open relaxed environment by expert instructors.

The Chief instructor of the street-smart self-defense seminar, Captain Boyd Lyons, has over 24 years of law enforcement experience. Captain Lyons is certified with the New Jersey police training commission as a Senior Defensive Tactics Instructor and Firearms Instructor with the Passaic County Police Academy and has instructed numerous in-service and academy classes. He has 36 years of martial arts experience and is a certified Master level instructor in Okinawan Goju Ryu Karate holding the rank of 6th Degree Black Belt and 5th Degree Black Belt in Okinawan Kobudo (Weaponry) and an Instructor in Iai Jutsu ( Japanese Samurai Swordsmanship) 1st Degree Black Belt. Capt. Lyons has taught many classes and given seminars for public as well as private institutions on street safety and self-defense.

To view photos from the seminar, sign on to MONTCLAIRconnect.

The seminar was such a success and participants found it so informative, that we’re happy to announce we have planned a second session!  It will take place on Wednesday, April 25 from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.  Details to follow.  Check your inbox for an invitation in the coming weeks!