Tala Arthur, 17, of Tyler, practices a kickboxing exercise at Relson Gracie Jiu-Jitsu and Lone Start MMA Academy in Tyler, Texas, on Saturday, March 24, 2018. Arthur is an instructor at the studio and will help lead several women’s self-defense seminars on Saturday. (Augusta Robinson/Tyler Morning Telegraph)

Being slung through the air as a 4-year-old during judo lessons was not always fun for Tala Arthur, of Tyler, but the experience helped her learn to triumph through adversity.

Early complaints and tears dissipated as Tala, now 17, has gained experience. Today she holds a judo black belt, as well as other achievements, and is skilled in a variety of martial arts.

“This just reflects in every part of her life,” said Drew Authur, Tala’s father and the co-owner of Relson Gracie Jiu-Jitsu and Lone Star MMA Academy in Tyler. “She tells me now that this has helped her through her life studies and in any other endeavor.

Tala is one of the youngest instructors at the Relson Gracie Jiu-Jitsu and Lone Star MMA Academy in Tyler and teaches several classes. One of the classes she considers to be the most important is women’s self-defense.

On Saturday, both she and her father will lead two free women’s self-defense seminars at both the academy and Green Acres Baptist Church.

“Self-defense isn’t one of those things that you need to be super buff to get away or you don’t need to be super fast because a lot of it is technique,” she said. “You don’t need to be super strong to do any of it.”

The reality-based seminars are designed to show women, as well as teen girls, how to defend themselves in different situations such as being subjected to wrist and choke holds or being grabbed by the hair or pushed against a wall.

Tala said having the skills to defend herself has been a major motivator in her own pursuit of mastering many of the martial arts.

“I think’s it’s kind of a personal thing because…if I ever do get attacked on the street it’s just going to be me,” she said. “I might as well learn it now. Hopefully, I won’t have to use it in the future.”

Tala said she is considering a career in the military or law enforcement. Her father said he thinks that what she’s learned through practicing martial arts will stick with her no matter what path she takes.

“She doesn’t just leave it on the mat,” he said. “This is a way of life.”

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Seminar to offer free self-defense tips to women

Relson Gracie Jiu-Jitsu and Lone Star MMA Academy will present a free self-defense seminar for women on Saturday.

The seminar will be from 10 a.m. to noon at Relson Gracie, 3508 Westway St., Tyler, and from 1 to 3 p.m. at Green Acres Baptist Church, 1607 Troup Highway.

Attendees are asked to wear comfortable clothing.

For more details, call the studio at 903-509-1662 or go to www.GracieTyler.com.