Lance Soares’ Family Martial Arts Center will hold a free women’s self defense workshop on Monday, Oct. 5 at 6:30 p.m.

The self-defense class, back in its fifth year, is geared towards women and deals with matters of outdoor nighttime safety and defense against sexual assault.

Lance Soares, a 5th degree black belt with 25 years of teaching experience, will be instructing the self defense portion of the class.

“[The program] has been pretty popular,” Soares said

This course takes place four times throughout the year. The program was conceived by Soares when the martial arts center was still located in New Bedord. The Family Martial Arts Center partnered with the New Bedford Police Domestic Violence Unit and local women’s centers to educate participants about how women can reach out to them in their time of need.

This event is open to women 16 and up. Participants under age 18 must have proof of parental consent prior to entering the workshop. The class is limited to 25 participants.

For more information and to register, call 774-992-0797. Lance Soares’ Family Martial Arts Center is located at 331D State Road.