As the presidential election has turned the spotlight on sexual assault, many survivors have commented on feeling helpless. But there’s a way to combat that emotion: learning how to defend yourself from an attack.

Bridgett Comer can help there. The 33-year-old is trained in Krav Maga, a self-defense system created by the Israeli Special Forces that combines judo, wrestling, and boxing moves. A recent Colorado transplant, Comer plans to open her Krav Maga–based mixed martial arts and fitness company, Rocky Mountain Self Defense, in Littleton within the next month.

But there’s no need to wait until then to feel empowered: Comer will teach a free introductory class in the method today from noon to 2:30 p.m. at Arapahoe Community College’s Fitness Center. Expect to learn techniques such as palm strikes, hammer fists (using the bottom of your clenched fist to make contact), and front kicks to the groin to remove yourself from holds including chokes, bear hugs, and hair grabs. Participants will also practice screaming and breath work.

“The biggest thing I tell women who take my seminar is if I teach you anything, I want you to be aware of your surroundings and not make yourself a victim,” Comer says. “Women in particular tend to be afraid to trust their instincts and not walk away from someone they think is creepy because they don’t want to be rude. I want to teach them a little bit of confidence.”

Can’t make Friday’s session? Comer will offer women’s-only classes, as well as sessions geared toward high school students and kids once Rocky Mountain Self Defense opens.

If you go: The Women’s Self Defense Seminar takes place on Friday, October 21 from 12–2:30 p.m. at Arapahoe Community College, 5900 S. Santa Fe Dr., Littleton. Free for ACC students; $25 for non-students

Follow assistant editor Mary Clare Fischer on Twitter at @mc_fischer.