The Power Up self-defense classes offered to girls at Wellesley High School have been well documented over the years here and elsewhere. After all, images of high school girls battling a padded-up guy screaming abusive things at them are rather compelling. Not to mention scary and terrifying, according to the girls who take the class.
But just because this program has received its fair share of attention doesn’t mean there isn’t room for a new documentary, and you’ll have your first chance to see it Monday at Wellesley Free Library at 7pm. (Note: The documentary does include rough language — check out the trailer below.)
Paul Falcone, who shoots video for Wellesley Public Media, produced the 70-minute film. He brings special insight to the project in that he worked for years as a padded instructor with Impact Boston and collaborated with Kathy Brophy of Wellesley High’s health and fitness department.
Falcone credits Power Up with teaching students “to communicate clearly, advocate for themselves, and defend themselves physically and emotionally during situations of extreme stress, such as an attempted rape.” Power Up is offered to boys as well at WHS, though few have taken it. Impact Boston does offer separate classes as well for boys, Falcone says.
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When my daughter took Power Up, the class was offered to boys AND girls. I hope this is still the case!
It is offered to both, but apparently few boys take it at WHS. Paul Falcone says that “Impact Boston teaches a separate men’s/boy’s class since it is felt that males have different self-defense needs. I think Power Up is an excellent way for boys to learn about male/female power dynamics and mutual respect though.”
I hope my nieces and nephew get a shot at this training. Kudos.
These classes are extremely valuable and important. I first saw a “graduation” back in the 80’s when I was doing volunteer work for the Jane Doe organization…and was extremely impressed. Personally, I think the program should be required.