A Summit Hill man is bringing defense classes to the Nesquehoning community.

Craig Strohl, who grew up in Nesquehoning and is the current Nesquehoning VFW Post 8008 commander, announced that he is starting a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu school at the Nesquehoning Hose Company. The school begins on Jan. 24.

Strohl is affiliated under Sensei Leonardo Xavier, a fifth-degree black belt under Rickson Gracie.

Strohl said that his classes will aim to help children and women with defense and anti-bullying, as well as adults looking to learn Jiu-Jitsu.

A kids anti-bullying class will be held every Tuesday from 6-7 p.m. An eight-week female SAFE (Safety, Awareness, Fitness, Empowerment) class will be held every Thursday from 6-7 p.m.

In addition, adult classes will be held from 7-8:30 p.m. every Tuesday and Thursday and from 6-8:30 p.m. on Wednesdays.

The first class is free with dues starting in February for the courses.

Strohl, who has trained and taught Jiu-Jitsu for over 15 years, is a purple belt, with a combined fight record of 7-2-1 in Jiu-Jitsu and MMA. He is also a certified Army Combative Instructor and Special Operations Combative Instructor.

Strohl will be joined by James Oliver as the assistant instructor. Oliver also has over 15 years of training and is a brown belt.