Linda Cardany can’t be much more than five feet tall, though the 64-year-old from Dorrance recently learned she packs quite a punch.

Cardany was one of a group of women (and men) in attendance at a self-defense class geared towards females at Back Mountain Martial Arts in Dallas Township.

The class, led by local martial arts experts, stressed the importance of personal safety tactics – not martial arts technique.

“We see a lot more people taking this class because everyone has busy lives and don’t have time to take traditional martial arts classes,” said Sensai Richard Dixon, of Mountain Top.

He said the class was held about once a year but, due to high demand, is now instructed on a quarterly basis.

Jackie Soper, a brown belt, has been practicing martial arts for more than 15 years and is an instructor at the studio. Her foray into the discipline stemmed from a desire to feel confident and prepared in any situation.

“I never want to be afraid of anyone,” said Soper, of Shavertown. “If I get taken down, they’re not getting up.”

Instructors focused on keeping cool and calm during a sticky situation. Being prepared for an attack can completely change the situation, as those who are attacked won’t feel panicked.

“It can definitely save a life,” said Soper.

Cardany wanted to take the class for a while because she wanted to fend for herself in trying times, despite her small stature.

“I’ve managed to avoid those situations, but there’s so much more meanness in the world than ever before, and you never know when it’s going to pop up,” she said.

Dallas High School student Kelly Monaghan has been involved in martial arts for about a year. The 18-year-old from Dallas wanted to learn how to protect herself for when she goes away to college.

“It’s really important to feel safe,” said Monaghan. “I hope I never have to use it, but the knowledge is there.”

Dixon said the most important part of handling oneself during an attack is to “even the odds.” Knowing where and how to strike an attacker and using everyday objects such as water bottles and umbrellas are good strategies for survival.

“With a 100-pound girl and a 250-pound man, there’s no such thing as a fair fight,” he said. “No one has a right to touch you.”

When responding to an attack, Dixon said to focus energy on the most vulnerable areas of the body, such as the eyes, groin, knees and toes, in order to demobilize the attacker. Once that has happened, Dixon told his students to get away from the situation as soon as possible and call for help.

About 10 students practiced several moves during the class, including how to deal with attackers who may brandish dangerous weapons.

“The biggest mistake people make is trying to grab the gun,” said Dixon. “A gun on the ground is just a hunk of metal. It’s the person that’s dangerous.”

Dixon also spoke about controlling one’s environment, such as wearing appropriate clothing, traveling with a group and avoiding alcohol, to defray potentially harmful situations.