Kids in Somerville get lesson in self-defense

SOMERVILLE , August 18, 2008—Somerville police Patrolman Tim Franks led instruction on self defense Monday as part of the Somerville Youth Police Academy.

The session at police headquarters, 24 S. Bridge St., educated the young participants on the tools officers have available to defend themselves — from the weapons they carry to training in martial arts — and included a live demonstration of how to defend oneself when being attacked. A total of 37 middle-school age children from Somerville took part in the session, Franks said. The academy will continue through Friday, Aug. 22. 

Melissa Deutsch hesitantly approaches Pat Mehrtens of the Somerville Martial Arts Academy during a lesson on self-defense in Somerville.

Somerville police Patrolman Tim Franks demonstrates self-defense techniques using Pat Mehrtens of the Somerville Martial Arts Academy during the Youth Police Academy.

Patrolman Tim Franks teaches Brendan Blood during the Youth Police Academy. This technique allows a child to spin away from an adult who has his hands around the child's neck.