Amidst boiling political tensions, an online community in Chico is meeting in-person for free self-defense classes   

By Emily Haerter

Civil Rights and pro-Democracy protests have become a feature of American life this year following the Trump Administration’s unprecedented crackdown on immigration and implementation of parts of Project 2025. Crowds of Chico residents showed up for one such demonstration on June 14 during “No Kings Day.”

While most experts and analysts say violence is extremely rare at these events, some protestors still feel unsafe due to online threats and the recent actions of ICE agents. This concern was crystalized by a recent letter that United States Senator Alex Padilla sent to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, pleading for her to recognize the intimidation tactics being used in response to peaceful demonstrations.

 “The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has responded with surveillance and intimidation,” Padilla wrote of recent incidents in Los Angeles and other cities. “For example, DHS deployed at least two Predator drones over the recent protests in Los Angeles, published the collected footage online, and called for local officials to crack down on protestors.”

The senator added of this surveillance of First Amendment activities, “Why that support was needed, what information was collected, or whether drones were deployed during other protests.”

Such uncertainties have led to the creation of a small Reddit-association community in Chico that is dedicated to teaching free self-defense classes.

The group is being led by Kevin (CN&R is withholding his last name for multiple reasons). Kevin offers people of all backgrounds self-defense training for the purpose of feeling safer while attending demonstrations. Kevin is a former teacher for aspiring physical educators and former member of the United States Marine Corps. As an ex-Marine, he previously taught self-defense in college for six years using the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program.

Kevin has Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, a group of inherited disorders that affect connective tissues. Because of this, Kevin has to take multiple days to recover after leading a class session for self-defense. Despite his physical struggles, Kevin says he feels passionate about protesting the Trump Administration.

So far, Reddit is the only platform that Kevin has used to reach others looking to join. Reddit’s “karma” system helps him weed out ultra-right-wing individuals who might be looking to disrupt or potentially threaten those involved in the course.

“In a democracy, you’re either for it or you’re against it. There’s no middle ground in these areas,” Kevin said. “And I feel like the Republicans have the middle ground, supposedly.”

Kevin says he has first-hand knowledge that things can escalate at Chico’s political events. He asserts that while protesting a Republican fundraiser at the Lakeside Pavilion in Chico, he was threatened and pushed by a couple of individuals.

He says he didn’t respond physically.

But Kevin wants others to know how to, if needed.

He describes his self-defense classes, held in public parks, as very laid back. He acknowledges that many attendees have complex health situations and may not be able to perform difficult demonstrations. This makes the course beginner-friendly and accessible to all groups of people.

“The people coming to this class don’t feel comfortable going to an MMA place or another self-defense class,” he observed. “It’s starting them on their journey with self-defense.”

Kevin stresses that his course is focused on technique and scenario-based training. He says he shows participants how to safely de-escalate, or safely escape, from very specific situations, including being grabbed or attacked from behind.

One person who’s taken Kevin’s course is a Chico-area Reddit user who goes by Jebus Kristoph, and says he’s also been assaulted during protest activities in the past.  

“There is a lot to offer in this group,” Kristoph pointed out. “It isn’t just about self-defense, it’s about coming together and helping each other learn how to protect ourselves and the ones we care about … With more violence and intolerance for minorities and women, this is something I highly recommend.”