Hosted by the Take Back the Night Planning Committee and the Lore-El Center, Stevens students were introduced to the basics of self-defense this past Wednesday, October 18th during the academic break. With at least one self-defense class on campus each semester, certified instructor, Ken, was invited for the first time to teach students in the Schafer Athletic Center. The goal of the Self Defense classes was not only to teach people how to defend themselves in different attack scenarios — such as onward or from behind — but also teach attendees to be more comfortable with fighting back. Attendees, who first practiced at a slow pace, were able to use the defense mechanisms at full speed by the end of the class.
Marianna Flemming, the Take Back the Night Committee Chair, explained that the class teaches an important life skill that women and men should be educated about. Although uncomfortable with the first minutes of the class, many students “slowly become more comfortable with how to use their body to defend themselves” as the class progressed. Flemming also noted that not only the empowerment of the knowledge of how to defend oneself is beneficial for those of any background, but also having the confidence to do so in a time of need is vital.
Be First to Comment