Ashley Berlin, 15, of Buffalo Grove and Alyssa Wexler, 14, of Buffalo Grove watch Josh Flood as he demonstrates a round-house kick. Flood said the Self Defense Intramural Club prepares students to maintain awareness and gain confidence. | Michelle LaVigne

Arielle Cheifetc of Buffalo Grove watches how to break out of a choke hold during a meeting of the Self Defense Intramural Club at Stevenson High School in Lincolnshire. | Michelle LaVigne~Sun-Times Media

After being walked through a hold, Alex Sofronas, 16, of Kildeer brings down student leader Miguel Carrazza, 17, of Long Grove. | Michelle LaVigne~Sun-Times Media

Joyce Chung, 16, of Buffalo Grove aligns herself to deliver a hit to the pads during Self Defense Intramural Club. The club welcomes students with no experience, allowing them to progress at their own rate. | Michelle LaVigne~Sun-Times Media

Self Defense Intramural Club coach Josh Flood encourages 17-year-old Sally Balcaen of Vernon Hills as she works on elbow strikes on the pads. | Michelle LaVigne~Sun-Times Media

Fifteen-year-old twins Katie Berlin (left) and sister Ashley practice maneuvering out of a choke hold during a practice session by the Self Defense Intramural Club. | Michelle LaVigne~Sun-Times Media

Julie Wilson of Lincolnshire laughs as Self Defense Intramural Club student leader Miguel Carrazza, 17, of Long Grove, shows Alyssa Wexler, 14, of Buffalo Grove why her attempted choke hold wasn’t the best defense. | Michelle LaVigne~Sun-Times Media

For the last meeting of the Self Defense Intramural Club, club members play a revised version of dodge ball known as zombie dodge ball, a game made up on the spot by coach Josh Flood. | Michelle LaVigne~Sun-Times Media

Vince Fiorentini, 16, of Lincolnshire, along with Self Defense Intramural Club coach Josh Flood, demonstrates how to execute a hold. Fiorentini is one of the club's student leaders. | Michelle LaVigne~Sun-Times Media