The Malibu High School Parent Teacher Student Association kicked off its self-defense and safety training program for teen girls and women Sept. 23. The training program was taught by Joey and Ginger Escobar at their karate studio in Malibu. The safety training session included a lecture, discussion and training in self-defense techniques.
The Malibu PTSA was inspired to start a self-defense program after a 17-year-old girl was kidnapped in June when a man allegedly forced his way into her car at the corner of Pacific Coast Highway and Webb Way.
The girl came away unharmed after a local resident called 911, leading to the suspect’s arrest.
The goal of the program is to train and prepare the women and teen girls of Malibu to protect themselves from any personal threat. The Malibu PTSA plans to conduct additional safety training programs in the future.