Children at a variety of skill and experience levels are taking part in self-defense classes at Halvorson Elementary School through Young Americans Schools of Self-defense. - Colleen Harrison/Albert Lea Tribune

Students learned different kicks, escape techniques and counter attacks during Wednesday's class. - Colleen Harrison/Albert Lea Tribune

Jeff Wood, left, has been teaching self-defense to children in Albert Lea for almost 30 years. Wood is a fourth-degree black belt in tae kwon do. He has been teaching for almost 40 years and has been a student of martial arts since 1964. - Colleen Harrison/Albert Lea Tribune

Children at a variety of skill and experience levels are taking part in self-defense classes at Halvorson Elementary School through Young Americans Schools of Self-defense. - Colleen Harrison/Albert Lea Tribune

Students learned different kicks, escape techniques and counter attacks during Wednesday’s class. - Colleen Harrison/Albert Lea Tribune

Young Americans Schools of Self-defense operates out of Lakeville for Minnesota classes. - Colleen Harrison/Albert Lea Tribune