OrlandoCQC teaches women to sharpen the tools in their toolbelt
OrlandoCQC instructors distribute small batons that could pass for keychains as weapons training begins. Ray Findlater, the gym's owner, explains the six steps: Jab the left temple then right, left side then right, chest and then forehead.
“He's being nice. In real life, you aim for the eyes,” said Myron McNeil, an OrlandoCQC instructor posing as the attacker.
Lockheed Martin employee Findlater and his former co-worker McNeil trained in martial arts for years — becoming some of the first U.S. instructors specializing in Panantukan — before founding Orlando Close Quarters Combat Gym, which began offering classes in August 2018 at its Orlando location.
“I wanted to just kind of train what I call controlled aggression,” Findlater said.
Kaylee Dorman, an OrlandoCQC student and Lockheed Martin employee, said she enjoys the fitness combined with strength training at the women's self-defense class.
“I've learned a lot of selfdefense moves,” she said. “I'm not sure if I will ever need them, but it's a lot of fun, and I've learned a lot of boxing moves also that have been enjoyable.”
Findlater has these three self-defense tips to offer: Be aware of your surroundings; never be a victim (get the training you need); and maintain a habit of training.
“This is not kind of a oneoff … you need a continuous attitude of training, even if it's once a week or once a month, just make sure you're sharpening the tools in your toolbelt.”
The seventh annual fodada International Women's Self Defense Day takes place Nov. 17, when women worldwide will partake in free self-defense classes.
I convinced two of my coworkers, Orlando Sentinel editors Anne Dunlap and Cassie Armstrong, to take an OrlandoCQC women's self-defense class with me ahead of the holiday.
The session began with stretching to loosen our muscles — the easiest part of the class.
We learned the difference between the “calm down” and fighter's stances and practiced the movements, shifting front to back and left to right, before moving onto everyone's favorite part: weapon's training.
We each received a metal Kubaton and were taught how this simple weapon can be used to defend ourselves, practicing the moves on opponent body bags. OrlandoCQC instructors also gave advice on how to use items in your bag — from a pencil to a magazine — as weapons.
Then we threw in punches, followed by kicks, during the kickboxing portion. This part built on the stances from earlier, with movements feeling like a choreographed self-defense dance.
The class wrapped up with circuit training, involving jump ropes, ab workouts and punching bags.
These are our overall thoughts on the class.
Anne: I thought I was a fan of the stretching exercises until I learned how to use the Kubotan. I practiced on dummies, hesitant at first and then with more power as I gained confidence. The time flew by, and I was disappointed when the hour introductory class ended. However, I wish the session concentrated more on self-defense maneuvers.
Cassie: My favorite part of the self-defense class was the boxing, which came as a surprise. It was the first time I put on hand wraps and the first time I strapped on boxing gloves. I've always shied away from boxing, mainly because I thought it would hurt my hands. But the pre-wrap gave all the support and the gloves gave all the cushioning I needed to protect my painful joints. I was a little self-conscious at the start of class, as I haven't been to a workout session for a while, but the instructors were very patient and spent a lot of one-on-one time with each student, so I really felt like I came away knowing exactly how to do the moves they showed to us. In fact, later when my 16-year-old son scoffed at my boxing stance and threw a hand my way to test my reaction, I got him with my jab and cross! Who's laughing now, smart guy?
Kathleen: From a stretching warmup to kickboxing techniques, weapons handling and circuit training, OrlandoCQC offers a diverse class. After practicing with the Kubotan, I'm probably going to purchase one because it's a simple product that packs a powerful defense. While I appreciated the variety of the class, I was hoping for more situational instruction so I would know how to react to different scenarios. But overall, OrlandoCQC offers a great value in a small class setting with knowledgeable instructors.
go: The women's self-defense classes cost $10 per session (free for members of the gym). It takes place 9 a.m. Saturdays at 4603 Parkbreeze Court in Orlando. For more information, visit orlandocqc.com.
Here are a few other locations in Central Florida that offer women's self-defense classes.
■ Levels: 16112 Marsh Road #407, Winter Garden; 407-905-9982; 6levels.com
■ Self-Defense: Frederick Tactical, 414 Ellis Square Court, Sanford; 407-446-0232; cobradefensesystem.com
■ Fabin Rosa Jiu-Jitsu: 1052 W. State Road 436, Suite 2062, Altamonte Springs; 407-879-2724; altamontebjj.com
■ Korean Academy: 4556 E. Michigan St., Orlando; 407-883-1413; koreanamericanmartialarts.com
■ UCF Department: Classes are held at the UCF Police Building; private classes for 12 or more people can be held at the location of the group's choosing; 407-823-5555; police.ucf.edu