OGDENSBURG -- A free self-defense demonstration and awareness course for all Ogdensburg area youth and adults will be taught by American Kang Duk Won Karate black belt instructors at 4:30 p.m. Monday, April 9 in St. John's Episcopal parish meeting hall, Caroline Street.

This family safety event is open to all youth and their parents. Workouts include the practice of a wide range of self-defense techniques to defend against threats from bullying, social media exchanges, or aggressive encounters.

The new weekly self-defense and karate program is being taught in an effort to reinforce concepts that improve personal safety and awareness skills. Lessons are being taught after school from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. each Monday. Local class members may also receive additional training in Heuvelton on Wednesdays, Canton on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays, and in Madrid on Wednesdays.

Information on the new 2018 spring lessons in Ogdensburg including a free introductory month of lessons and a free uniform, will be available at the demonstration. Black belt instructors Ron Sellers, Dan Green, and program director Master Frank Palumbo will be conducting the self-defense and karate lessons for area students.

More info: americankangdukwon.org, 315-386-3029.