CANTON — Canton Recreation Programs presented a “Back to School Self-defense and Safety Awareness Seminar” last Thursday which saw youth and adults from several area communities attend.

Students, parents, and grandparents were in attendance to discuss and participate in activities instructed in the Riley Meeting Hall of Canton Village Pavilion.

Safety topics during the seminar included: Vital elements of self-defense; methods to improve safety awareness in daily routines; how to avoid risky encounters; communicating effectively with family members, teachers, and friends; as well as the practice of effective methods in dealing with physical conflict.

The two-hour class highlighted defensive and offensive techniques that are valuable in keeping oneself safer.

The Back-to-School Safety Seminar was taught as a part of the weekly classes of American Kang Duk Won Karate which meets each Thursday, 6-7 p.m. Introductory lessons for interested youth, college students, and adults are available each week.

No previous experience in the martial arts is required to become involved in the program. All exercises are taught in a highly traditional and respectful manner.

For further information, all are welcome to participate in a trial workout, or call 315-854-6880.