City of McAllen hosts self-defense class for female employees

MCALLEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The City of McAllen is celebrating Women's History Month by hosting a self-defense class for its female employees.

The class was led by Romana "La Fuego" Avila-Sidhou, an internationally-ranked jiu-jitsu martial artist with over eight years of experience.

The employees learned basic moves such as body locks and takedowns.

"It's very important to speak out. It's very important to protect yourself. It's very important to understand why you need to learn self-defense and not just leave it like it's nothing. No, you have to. It will save your life," said Avila-Sidhou.

She hopes the women leave her class with the knowledge of what self-defense is and its importance in their lives.