Defending yourself can be scary, especially if you can’t see your attacker. But one Lehigh Valley man is working to replace that fear with power.

For 53 years, Paul Miller has been teaching people self defense and Karate.

“Personal safety is one of those things that is all about awareness,” said Miller. 

On Thursday, his class is at Sites for Hope in Allentown, an organization that helps those who are blind or visually impaired.

“Teaching people how to do things in life just a different way, and how to live independently and powerfully,” said Dennis Zehner. 

Miller understands the kind of power it takes. He started losing his eyesight at 30 and has been completely blind for 15 years.

He says when it comes to defending yourself, sight isn’t a requirement. 

As evidenced by his lessons on how to get out of a chokehold, or how to get loose when someone twists your arm behind your back.

“I learned some things,” said Bill Mulroy. 

Bill Mulroy is one of the visually impaired students. He says this class, one of three Sights of Hope is holding, is important.

“Someone grabs you by the arm, and you don’t know them. You want to know you can get out of it,” he said. 

And helps build confidence. Miller says the power he teaches comes from the mindset.

“Regardless of your disability or ability, you can accomplish anything that you’d like to accomplish,” said Miller. 

No matter the circumstances.