Silicon Valley REALTORS® practice safety, self-defense

Karen Trolan demonstrates a move that can knock down an assailant.

At “REALTORS® Training REALTORS®,” a free safety and self-defense training class offered by SILVAR last Friday at the Pacific Coast Academy in Los Gatos, REALTORS® trained in martial arts taught 28 real estate professionals risk awareness, safety tips, and how to protect themselves in a hostile situation.

The instructors were Laura Welch (Century 21 M&M), a jujitsu 7^th degree black belt and judo 3^rd degree black belt and director of Jujitsu America; Carla Bunch, (Marbella Properties), a jujitsu 5^th degree black belt; and SILVAR President-elect Karen Trolan (Alain Pinel Realtors) taekwondo 2^nd degree black belt, kenpo jujitsu first degree black belt, jujitsu first degree brown belt, and Shinkendo. The class was sponsored by the Jujitsu Academy.

Trolan and her colleagues were inspired to put the course together because REALTORS® are at risk every day as they meet different people. “In the last decade, hundreds of real estate professionals throughout the country have been murdered, violently assaulted, raped, beaten and robbed,” said Trolan. “Agents can be in potentially dangerous situations, but usually you can avoid becoming a victim by being aware and prepared. All REALTORS® should learn at least basic safety and self-defense techniques.”

During the class, the real estate professionals learned how to get out of dangerous situations, different ways they can hit an assailant, what can be used to defend themselves against an attack from an assailant, and ways to get out of common holds or attacks. These agents were also provided numerous safety tips and ways to be aware.

“It was great to have women, for their first time, learning how to be aware and protect themselves. The group had fun and took away good practice in these basics,” said Trolan.

Studies show 80 percent of women who fought back in an attack situation have gotten away. “We all need to be prepared, follow general safety tips, like being aware of your surroundings, knowing some self-defense moves, and taking personal security precautions,” said Trolan.

REVIEW REALTOR® SAFETY TIPS AND SIGN UP FOR APRIL 21 REALTOR® SAFETY WEBINAR HERE

Real estate professionals practice some self-defense moves.