Murders in the United States jumped 4.8 percent last year, and overall violent crime was up 2.5 percent for the year, marking the largest annual increase in crime in the United States since 1991, according to figures released June 12 by the FBI.

Local martial arts instructor and CDT Master Tactical Instructor Eric Lunsford didn’t need a study to tell him the world is getting more threatening; he’s seen a steady increase in the number of people enrolling into his self-defense courses over the past year.

“We’re getting kids and adults who either have been assaulted or witnessed a confrontation that prompted them to get in here to learn how to protect themselves,” said Lunsford.
Indeed, aggravated assault increased nearly 2 percent and a quick search of “street fight” on YouTube.com exposes the disturbing trend in living color.

“You see one of these fights on the Internet and it’s disgusting,” Lunsford said. “Parents see that and they want to make sure their kids can take care of themselves and bring them to us.”
Classes for beginners start next week at the Fayette Academy of Martial Arts, which is located at 1077 Highway 314 on the north side of Fayette County and on the web at www.FayetteAcademyofMartialArts.com.

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