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FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. – Martial arts instructors plan to provide free self-defense seminars for women in Fayetteville. Organizers set up the classes after Fayetteville police announced an investigation into a series of rapes.

Grand Master Lioni Velasquez started training in rape prevention after someone raped and murdered his childhood friend. He teamed up with Gold's Gym to provide the free self-defense seminars for women.

“I make it a mission of mine to make sure that I advise all the women to know what to do in case of an emergency,” Velasquez said.

The seminars cover topics on situation awareness, what to look out for and how to avoid becoming a victim.

“Just giving them extra sense of awareness and also, who knows, one little technique or move may be the difference between saving someone's life,” Randy Wright Jr., of Gold's Gym, said.

YMCA officials decided to add another self-defense class to their schedule after a growing number of women called in and asked how to sign up for classes.

“We just want to make sure everyone has an opportunity,” Rick Houp, of YMCA, said. “So if you can't afford them, we have financial assistance. WE will make sure that you have other opportunities as well.”

Velasquez advises students that once they start learning a martial art, they should continue their training so they will have the skills when they need them the most.

“Once they start something, continue at least once a week,” he said. “Go back, practice what you have worked on so that this way it doesn't become stale. If they need it, it is there for them.”

The first seminar is at the Gold's Gym in Hope Mills on Jan. 23. The second seminar is a week later at the Gold's Gym in Fayetteville off Bragg Boulevard. Both events run from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.