UFC vet leads self-defense class

Frank “The Crank” Camacho demonstrates a self-defense tactic with Mari Alvarez in a defensive stance during the free self-defense clinic held last Saturday at the Trench Tech gym in awareness and support of Domestic Violence Awareness Month. (CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)

Ultimate Fighting Championship veteran and current Fit to Lead ambassador Frank “The Crank” Camacho taught a free two-hour self-defense clinic last Saturday at the Trench Tech Purebred Saipan Gym in collaboration with the Northern Marianas Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence for Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

More than 40 participants of all ages took part in the clinic which was intended to raise public education and awareness on domestic violence, basic self-defense techniques, including the promotion of health, wellness, and fitness in the CNMI.

“We were all having so much fun, [and] I was so surprised at the turnout,” said Camacho about the event.

The mixed martial arts expert was asked what concepts and techniques were taught in the class and he said it “was really more so covering the concepts and the principles of awareness and confidence—most especially when you’re walking to the car, to be aware—don’t park in [a] dark alley; just be aware of wherever you’re at; to be aware of people and… avoid confrontation at all costs. 

Participants of the free self-defense clinic led by Frank “The Crank” Camacho pose for a group photo last Saturday at the Trench Tech Purebred Gym. The clinic was held in awareness and support of Domestic Violence Awareness Month. (CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)

“I take pride in trying to figure out how to win an altercation with what I like to call ‘verbal Judo.’ How can I navigate this so that I don’t get into a physical altercation? Because I myself have never been into a physical altercation outside of training and fighting, thank goodness. So just awareness and confidence and showing compassion and kindness, but if ever in the event that you have to defend yourself, always I like to say, no balance, no fight,” he said. 

Additionally, “just showing them a solid fight position. I showed them two strikes, the jab and the cross—just a tight guard of defending yourself and then… if you ever do fall to the ground, how to get back up because almost 90% of all altercations or fights end up [on] the ground. So when you’re on the ground, how do you properly fall so you don’t hit your head and sustain massive injuries… and how do you work your way back up ‘til you get to your fighting position or your defensive position and into a position where you can get into a running position where you can get away from the threat…” Camacho said about the lessons in the clinic. 

“It was really fun and everyone just had a really good time.”

He then thanked the “Fit to Lead team, Office of the Governor, Cuki [Alvarez] and Mari [Alvarez] at Trench Tech, Kiki and the Domestic Violence Month committee, and all the participants that came by to learn some self-defense fitness.”