A new self-defense class, launched through the BEACON Afterschool Program, is specifically designed to empower young women in Moab by emphasizing self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and personal confidence, rather than just focusing on physical combat skills alone.
Dhyana Greene, a seasoned martial artist with nearly four decades of experience, is at the helm of this transformative BEACON self-defense class aimed at empowering women both physically and emotionally. Photo by Murice Miller
The immersive three-session class, which will be conducted by Dhyana Greene, takes a distinctive approach that encourages middle school and high school girls to “become aware of their own emotions and environment” so they can “react consciously” in any situation.
Greene described her progressive teaching methods as “a yin way of doing it,” which intricately combines physical self-defense techniques with important internal self-assessment practices. The class is scheduled to begin on Nov. 14 for middle school students, followed by Dec. 5 for high school students, and is intentionally limited to just eight participants in each session as it serves as a pilot program.
The extensive martial arts background Greene brings to the program encompasses an impressive array of disciplines, including Isshinryu and Wing Chun karate, aikido, and judo. She is also well-versed in various Tai Chi styles and the comprehensive TiAiki system of internal arts.
“We start by helping the girls tune into their feelings,” Greene explained, underscoring the notion that self-defense is fundamentally about identifying what feels safe and right. “The more aware a person is, the safer that person will be. Recognizing one’s own emotional landscape is crucial.”
Each 90-minute session introduces progressively advanced techniques and concepts to enhance skill sets. The inaugural session places significant emphasis on cultivating self-assurance through grounding exercises accompanied by “kiai” (pronounced “key-eye”), which is a traditional shout designed to root oneself and project an aura of confidence.
“If it’s done properly, it will root the person,” Greene asserted, recounting how kiai once empowered her to evade danger in a threatening situation. “Just performing kiai by itself carries substantial power.”
Moving into the second session, Greene plans to teach practical techniques such as safe falling and basic aikido-style grappling, which involves using an opponent’s momentum to neutralize their force effectively.
“Often a person is thrown or pushed down,” she noted. “Learning how to fall correctly minimizes potential physical harm.” Greene emphasized that students will gain knowledge of how to utilize aikido principles to counter an attack, stating, “This means learning how to take down a bigger person effectively.”
Further, Greene intends to integrate her vast experience in internal arts like Tai Chi and Nei Gong into the final session. This segment will focus on maintaining a grounded and aware state during close-contact confrontations.
“The first step is to get inside an attacker’s space rather than trying to escape. This may not feel natural initially,” Greene explained.
However, once someone enters that intimate space, Greene emphasized, they gain access to more of the attacker’s vulnerable targets. She is eager to use Tai Chi and Ba Gua Zhang techniques to demonstrate how to “go with the flow” of an encounter instead of resisting it outright.
As an instructor who also teaches children’s self-defense at the Moab Charter School and Helen M. Knight Elementary School, Greene envisions this self-defense program as part of a broader cultural shift towards greater awareness and empowerment.
“We have a culture… where victimization is often brushed aside,” Greene reflected. She pointed out that there has been a historical tendency for society to place blame on victims instead of addressing the root issues of violence.
“In my perspective, openly discussing these matters and saying, ‘Hey, let’s talk about this now,’ is vital,” Greene stated. “We shouldn’t sweep these issues under the rug—there needs to be a sustained dialogue to foster improvement.”
Greene’s emphasis on physical awareness and her teaching methods encourages students to utilize their intuition and body awareness for their own safety, while also promoting an ethos of support for others.
“I genuinely care for everyone… Unconditional love entails honestly acknowledging when something requires truthful feedback,” she said.
Looking ahead, Greene is hopeful about expanding the program contingent on community interest, aspiring to establish an enduring self-defense education series for the Moab community that can be of lasting benefit.
“In the long-term, I envision a shift in consciousness among the children of Moab, which will ripple up to affect the adults as well—creating a partnership where children and parents can collectively foster a more peaceful, safe, and loving society,” Greene expressed passionately.
The upcoming three-session self-defense class for middle school girls will take place at Margaret L. Hopkin Middle School on Nov. 14, Nov. 21, and Nov. 25 during the late afternoon. A separate three-session series designed for high school students will be conducted at Grand County High School on Dec. 5, Dec. 12, and Dec. 19, also in the late afternoon.
Parents interested in enrolling their children in this innovative pilot program are encouraged to reach out to BEACON High School Site Coordinator Emily Rutkowski for additional information and to register, provided there is availability.
**INTERVIEW WITH DHYANA GREENE: EMPOWERING YOUNG WOMEN THROUGH SELF-DEFENSE**
*Editor:* Thank you for joining us today, Dhyana. Your new self-defense class through the BEACON Afterschool Program sounds innovative. Can you tell us what inspired you to create a program specifically designed for young women?
*Dhyana Greene:* Thank you for having me! I’ve been a martial artist for nearly forty years, and throughout my journey, I’ve recognized the need for self-defense education that goes beyond just physical techniques. I wanted to empower young women not only to defend themselves physically but to cultivate self-awareness and emotional intelligence. That’s the core of what we’re teaching: it’s about understanding oneself and feeling confident in various situations.
*Editor:* You mention a unique approach to self-defense that focuses on emotional and mental empowerment. How does this blend into the physical techniques you’ll be teaching?
*Dhyana Greene:* Absolutely! We start each session by helping the girls tune into their emotions and surroundings. This awareness is crucial; it helps them react consciously rather than instinctively. By connecting the physical techniques with emotional grounding exercises—such as the “kiai”—we’re teaching them to project confidence. When you’re aware of your emotional landscape, you can navigate challenging situations more effectively.
*Editor:* Your class is limited to just eight participants. What’s the reasoning behind this choice?
*Dhyana Greene:* I wanted to create a more intimate environment where each student could receive personalized attention. This allows for deeper conversations and ensures that everyone feels comfortable expressing themselves. It’s truly about creating a safe space where they can learn and grow together.
*Editor:* The curriculum you’ve designed spans various martial arts disciplines. What can students expect to learn across the three sessions?
*Dhyana Greene:* Each of the three sessions builds on the last. The first session is all about grounding techniques and cultivating self-assurance. In the second session, we’ll introduce practical techniques like safe falling and basic aikido grappling, which are essential for managing encounters with larger opponents. the third session brings in Tai Chi and Nei Gong, focusing on awareness during confrontations. The ultimate goal is to empower them to feel safe and confident in their own bodies.
*Editor:* How do you see this program contributing to a cultural shift in how we address issues of victimization and empowerment for young women?
*Dhyana Greene:* It’s vital that we change the narrative. We need to foster a culture that encourages awareness and resilience rather than perpetuating victim-blaming. Programs like this can help shift attitudes, encouraging not only the participants but also their peers and families to engage in conversations about safety and empowerment continuously.
*Editor:* Thank you, Dhyana, for your insights and commitment to empowering the next generation. Your class sounds like a valuable opportunity for young women in Moab.
*Dhyana Greene:* Thank you! I’m excited to see the impact this program can have. Empowerment starts with awareness, and I can’t wait to share this journey with the girls.