Protecting yourself is your right and obligation, that’s why self defense is an important tool to have in today’s society.

We live in a world where it is important to be on alert,especially with your life. Now, residents in the Bismarck-Mandan area have an opportunity to learn ways to be safe.  

“Yes, I have had some scary situations at work,” said Andrea Stone, Mandan resident.

Stone is always on edge since she faces scary situations on a daily bases. 

“I work at a drug and alcohol treatment center and I work the overnight shift,” Stone said.

According to the National Domestic Hotline, more than 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men in the United States have experienced rape, physical violence or stalking by a partner in their lifetime. 

As a way to help lower those numbers, Owner of Prairie Patriot, Josette Severson, uses her martial arts background to teach basic, simple and practical tools.

“The more I saw things going on around in the world. I just wanted to be able to know that at the end of the day I am coming home. No one has the right to touch me or even think that they are going to take me away from my husband or son. I am going to fight, I am my own body guard and I have lots of tools on me. I want to share that with my community,” Severson said.  

As for Stone, the next time she goes to work she is ready in case she finds herself in a dangerous situation.