(Photo courtesy of Aikido of Hilo)

MEDIA RELEASE

In recognition of National Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM), Aikido of Hilo is offering women free Aikido classes for the month of October.

Observed each year in October, DVAM grew out of a single day, the “Day of Unity” in October 1981 organized by the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence to connect groups that worked to end violence against women and children.

The first observance of Domestic Violence Awareness Month took place in October 1987, and two years later in 1989, Congress passed a commemorative legislation designating October as National Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

“Aikido is the martial art of peace and reconciliation. It teaches us that we should concentrate not on harming others, but on protecting them. We learn that aggression breeds greater aggression and that kindness also will be returned by others. Rather than harming another and causing resentment, we are taught to neutralize physical and mental aggression and avoid injury to the attacker and ourselves,” said Aikido of Hilo Chief Instructor Barbara Klein.
Klein and her husband, Dr. Robert Klein, both have 6th Degree Black Belts and have been training in Aikido for over 40 years. They have been teaching the martial art in Hilo since 1980.
“We are honored to help spread awareness about ending violence against women and children. We invite everyone to come and learn about bringing more peace and harmony into their lives and openly offer women the opportunity to take classes for free in October,” said Klein.
To find out more about Aikido of Hilo and the free October classes for women call Barbara Klein at 935-2454.
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