Self Defense Educator

Darlene (VanGaasbeck) Gentry has over twenty years experience in instruction and training in martial arts, women's self defense, and self defense education for the public.

She holds black belt rank in Godoryu Aiki Jujitsu Aikido, Combat Hapkido "Defense-Ability" System from the International Disabled Self Defense Association as well as advance rank in Tang Soo Do Karate and Aikido. She is an active member in the International Combat Hapkido Federation, Rape Aggression Defense Systems (R.A.D.) and the American Women's Self-Defense Association. As a R.A.D. instructor she holds certifications to teach women's basic and advanced physical defense, key chain and aerosol defense options, radKIDS personal safety and empowerment, RAD for Seniors basic defense options and R.A.D.(Resisting Aggression with Defense) for Men. As an IDSA instructor she teaches self defense to the physically challenged and disabled. Additionally, she is a member of the Maryland Coalition against Sexual Assault.

Darlene teaches self-defense part-time at St. Mary's College of Maryland where she instructs a credit course that she created called "Self Defense against Sexual Assault". Additionally, she developed and maintains a website called the "Sexual Assault and Violence Information Network (S.A.V.I.N.)" previously known as the "Violence Against Women Prevention Information Network". Darlene has had the pleasure of personally training many students through her continuing course and participation in various programs on campus. She has received the Faculty/Staff Student Life Award in recognition of her work.

Darlene is active in the community and has instructed women's self-defense courses including R.A.D. basic physical defense for St. Mary's County Public Schools Adult Education, St. Mary's County Department of Recreation and Parks, and Calvert County Abused Persons Program. Currently, she is teaching a series of free courses for the public sponsored by the Women of Promise Ministry Team of Lexington Park Baptist Church. Darlene has conducted seminars for youth community groups coordinated by Gwen Bankins such as Girl Power of Southern Maryland, Students against Destructive Decisions, St. Mary's Youth Leadership Team, Young Marines, and 100% Male.