Dozens of Tucsonans learned how to break a stranglehold and throw a proper punch July 26, when Shaolin Kung Fu Academy partnered with the 4th Avenue Coalition and Made in Tucson Market to host the community space's first self-defense workshop.

The class, co-hosted by Tucson Love Letter, was the most recent installment in the coalition's skillshare workshops and swaps held regularly at 311 E. 7th St. The hands-on events cover local crafts, art and community skills, and have included visible mending, Sashiko, market-building and more.

When the coalition space asked its community what the next workshop should be, most people said they wanted to learn self-defense.

Shaolin Kung Fu Academy owner Blue Norush was the main instructor of the workshop. Norush began practicing kung fu when they were 5 years old and has been teaching since they were 15.

They've been with Shaolin for the past 16 years and are part of its Girl Empowerment program, which aims to teach kung fu to girls and teens to help boost confidence and as a method of self-defense.

"Kung fu is to prolong life, not shorten it," Norush said. "It's not a competitive sport, it is one that is internal and self-growth oriented."

The dojo offers classes for all ages, including the Peaceful Warriors program for boys 6 to 12, along with classes for teens 12 to 17 and adults 18 and up. Norush said that while the dojo has a traditional style of teaching, it's a safe space with room to have fun.

"I'm very passionate that anyone who wants to learn kung fu, can," they said. "It's very self-expression forward, not only with the attention of learning to defend ourselves but also how to be creative within the art."

The workshop's first hour was dedicated to learning basic moves and techniques and how to properly punch and kick. The next hour included breakout sessions, split by ages, with kids and adults learning what to do in real-life scenarios, such as what to do if someone grabs one's hair or tries to strangle them.

"This is a helpful and beneficial workshop," Norush said. "It won't teach you everything but will give you skills and tools to take out in the world and have a little more confidence to protect yourself."

Norush said that people wanting to learn kung fu should approach it with an open mind and be willing to communicate.

"If there's a specific reason why you're seeking self-defense, keep that close to you while you study," Norush said.

Nicole Carrillo, committee chair for events with the 4th Avenue Coalition, said that they've been wanting to include skillshare events that touch on mental health.

"A lot of the skillshares and swaps we do at the coalition space are art-focused, but we want to try to reach out to other important areas," she said. "We are trying to be helpful to the events of different members of the community."

While this is the first self-defense skillshare event, organizers anticipate that it won't be the last.

The coalition space's next skillshare, Perfumes 101, will feature Arya Tara teaching perfume terminology, scent identification and perfume ingredients.

The coalition space's other events and upcoming skillshare workshops can be found on the group's Instagram page or website.

Emma Diaz is a University of Arizona alum and freelance journalist based in Tucson.

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