1 of 3 | Students at the M-PROFI combat sports center in Moscow learn to incorporate selfie sticks into self defense techniques. Photo courtesy of M-PROFI
The center said the class was inspired by the self-defense needs of tourists.
"In many countries assaults on tourists have become a frequent occurrence... and the only instrument of self-defense that travelers always carry on themselves is a selfie-stick," M-PROFI said on its website.
The school said students learn to incorporate their selfie-sticks into "complex techniques borrowed from various martial arts."
M-PROFI said the classes are supported by a group called the Association of Safe Selfies.
"It's time for the selfie-stick to be used for a purpose other than to take photographs," the center quoted the association's president as saying.
The center said each class lasts for five sessions.
