A former professional MMA fighter is set to hit the mats once again when he hosts a women’s self-defense seminar from 9 a.m. to noon on Nov. 8 at the Redlands Community Center in Redlands, California.

According to Redlands Daily Facts, Javier “Showtime” Vazquez will host the seminar, which is open to 35 participants. It’ll focus on situational awareness and various self-defense techniques which will enable women to protect their bodies and escape dangerous situations.

“We do wrist-releases and bear-hug releases, and teach ways to avoid being taken to the ground,” Vazquez said. “We do teach one strike—we call it the super slap.”

Vazquez specializes in self-defense and strike-based jiu jitsu, the Redlands Daily Facts reported. Born in Santiago, Cuba, Vazquez and his family came to the United States when he was four. In 1997, he began training in jiu jitsu. After five years, he earned his black belt as part of the world famous Carlson Gracie Team. His first MMA bout was in 1998, and he officialy retired from professional MMA fighting in 2013 with a record of 16-5.

All proceeds from the upcoming women’s self-defense seminar will go to the Street Smart After School Program, which is in its sixth year. To make reservations, call the Community Center at 909-798-7572, or email Redlands police officer Alex Paredes at personalsafety@redlandspolice.org. Participants are encouraged to wear comfortable pants or leggings and a T-shirt.

Read more: http://www.redlandsdailyfacts.com