F.A.S.T., or Fear Adrenaline Stress Training, is works to train the primal part of the brain that houses the fight or flight instincts. Because many victims freeze during an attack, the F.A.S.T. seminars focus on training the brain to react effectively using simple key phrases and repetition to break through the adrenaline-induced haze. Not only did class participants learn how to handle worst-case scenario physical assaults, they also learned how to diffuse potentially dangerous situations.

The class was led by Nathan Morgan of Selinsgrove, owner of Burns’ Tae Kwon Do, Tim Hoot of Harrisburg, Erik Herrold of Selinsgrove, Kim Walter of Middleburg and Jill Vega of Selinsgrove.

Participants were Joyce B Dreese, Kimberly Kahler, Julie Korbar, Courtney Robinson, Emily Robinson, Teri Robinson, Lauren Rambo and Lindsey Smith. They were each coached through a series of escalating encounters with “attackers” to learn how to first verbally and then physically ward off attacks.

Morgan and Hoot suited up as bullet-men in full body armor to challenge each participant through several rounds of combat while Herrold, Walter and Vega coached the women throughout each encounter.

Following the combat sessions, participants viewed videos of the fights so everyone could see how the encounters looked from a bystander’s view. All participants will receive copies of their combat sessions.

“Watching our fights on the video was really incredible,” said Korbar, a 26-year-old participant. “When you’re in the situation you have such tunnel vision that you really have no idea how effective your defense is. It was so empowering to actually see that we now do have the tools and the capabilities to defend ourselves.”

“We love teaching these classes because they really foster a change in each participant’s self-confidence. It’s great to watch someone come in who is a little on the timid and quiet side and when they leave, they walk out proud of themselves and much more confident in their own abilities,” said Morgan.

Participants were so pleased with the experience, they signed up for the next training session, Ground Defense, scheduled for July. For more information on F.A.S.T. Defense at Burns’ Tae Kwon Do, please call 570-374-0849. F.A.S.T. classes are available for men and women ages 18 and over. Burns' Tae Kwon Do also offers a variety of martial arts and fitness classes for all ages.