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04/22/2025 - In celebration of National Library Week and School Library Month, the Joeten-Kiyu Public Library held a series of activities for the community—one of which was a two-day Self-Defense Class for children in San Antonio’s Fernando M. Benavente Memorial Library last April 16-17.
The seminar was led by MMA instructor Justis “Cuki” Alvarez and his wife Mari as they equipped participants with practical skills to recognize, avoid, and respond to potentially dangerous situations.
On the last day of class, the instructors demonstrated some techniques to help participants protect themselves from a stranglehold or from being grabbed. They showed them good fighting stances, how to have a strong base, how to protect their face from attacks, and how to throw proper punches and kicks.
The collaboration between the library and the couple is not new as in the past, they also had classes for women and adults, but this was the first time they held it for children.
Alvarez said that in the class, “we kind of educated them more so on awareness. Awareness being common sense things. Everything starts at the home—safety and how to protect starts at the home.”
Specifically, they also reiterated the concept of “stranger danger.” “If your kids are out and about, we taught them to do the buddy system… we also taught them to be very vocal and not to be embarrassed or shy or have this sense of ‘I’m a tough kid, I don't need anybody’s help’...also don’t accept anything from a stranger—learn how to differentiate strangers from people you know and don’t be afraid to be loud or make noise if you have to if you’re scared,” said the owner of Trench Tech Purebred Gym.
The turnout, said Alvarez, “was great. We were very surprised. I didn’t realize that there were going to be these many kids. We had at least 15 kids today (last Thursday). They were a very receptive and very smart bunch of kids and fast learners.”
Afterwards, Alvarez said that Trench Tech is hosting its “Ring of Fire 3” on May 24 at the Garapan Central Park Roundhouse. “We have an exciting card being put together. We have about 12 fighters from Guam going to be competing against Saipan fighters, and of course we have a lot of Saipan fighters going up against each other,” he said. “We’re doing this for the community—entertainment and unarmed combat is back and we’re happy to bring it to the people of the Marianas.”
Prior to the self-defense class, JKPL hosted its 5K Literacy Fun Run/Walk last April 12 and the National Library Week Proclamation Signing and Literacy Block Party last April 5 at the main library in Susupe. With that, JKPL executive director Erlinda Naputi said, “We wanted to ensure that we also have activities for the kids in our branch libraries… one of the main events is the class.
"We invited Mr. Cuki Alvarez and his wife Mari to share their expertise with the kids in hopes that they will learn how to defend themselves, not to bully, and most importantly to ensure that they deter themselves from getting in trouble like fighting. With Trench Tech, their technique is to teach them discipline, self-respect, and it helps that they learn something positive.”
In her message to the community, she said, “the library is only as strong as its community. We could not have done what we’ve done in the past 33 years—
"Joeten-Kiyu will be 34 years in December—and we are stronger each day, but we’re only stronger each day because of our community members that avail of the opportunities and the businesses that have been supporting the library. I thank each and every one who has contributed to the library one way or another.”
Story by Leigh Gases
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