Warren County Dep. Don McGlothlin wouldn’t mess with Sgt. Renee Larson.

“I’m a big fella, but she could kick my butt if she wanted,” said McGlothin.

That’s why Larson helps him teach self defense to Warren County women. Groups can contact the Warren County Sheriff’s Office at (513) 695-1280 to arrange free, three-hour classes to be held at requesters’ locations or the sheriff’s training facilities on Justice Drive in Lebanon. Groups have included women from the Waynesville Masonic Lodge and Little Miami High School students.

Classes cover prevention, how to mentally prepare for attacks, and hands-on role plays. Scenarios are preferably reenacted on mats, like at the Warren County Sheriff’s Office, but can be performed on carpet at requested locations.

“We want you to be aware, not afraid,” said McGlothin. “We hope you never have to use the physical self-defense techniques, that you are never in danger.”

Larson said classes teach women to “fight dirty” to save their lives. The first step is often to teach women how to make a fist. Techniques include four hand strikes, three choking moves, and two elbow strikes and kicks.

Classes can hold a minimum of 12 students and a maximum of 25. They can be held as soon as a week after requests and participants must be at least 14 years old.

Many moms bring daughters in college to to ease their minds while at school, said Larson. Confidence is gained in women of all ages.

“Most people will instantly fight back, but it’s great to see women know they actually can,” she said.

The next scheduled self-defense course is 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., Thursday, March 21 at the Deerfield Twp. trustee meeting room at 4900 Parkway Drive. The course is free for township residents and $5 for non-residents. Visit www.deerfieldtwp.com or call (513) 701-6958 for more information.

Here are some common scenarios women discuss in class.

• How can you maintain safety when jogging in your neighborhood?

• If you wear headphones, leave at least one ear bud out to enable you to hear surroundings. Don’t be afraid to make eye contact with those who make you uncomfortable or let let them pass.

• What should you do if attacked?

• Scream and yell to attract as much attention as possible. Sometimes, people assume you are arguing with a partner and don’t want to be involved. Make it clear that you don’t know the person attacking you.