Friday, October 10, 1997
More self-defense classes are offered
WOMEN: Service aims
to build self-confidence through basic techniques
By Stefanie Wong
Daily Bruin Staff
After hearing about women subdued by razor-blade-wielding
attackers hiding under cars, students in the Women’s Resource
Center self- defense class got to work learning how to defend
themselves.
The self-defense classes, sponsored by the center, have
historically been available to students on various Saturdays of the
quarter.
But with assistance from the Student Welfare Commission and
Facilities Commission, General Representative Joanna Ley has been
able to expand the classes.
The expansion of the self-defense classes began last year when
general representative Dora Cervantes added two more courses to
those already scheduled.
This year Ley was able to add six more courses to the list, to
be scattered over the rest of the fall quarter.
Expansion of the courses also means they will be held in various
other locations on campus, including the residence halls.
"Women couldn’t always attend the classes on Saturday because of
school or family … but now we’re making it more convenient and
accessible," Ley said.
During these classes, women develop strong punches and kicks and
learn how to escape from certain chokes and holds.
Participants are also taught various scare tactics and how to
build self- confidence. This includes learning how to scream – and
not being shy about doing so.
"Considering I never took a self- defense class before, I think
that the techniques they taught were easy to learn and remember,"
said Aimee Wilson, a second-year international economics student
who took a self- defense course last year.
"Through kicks and punches we were able to feel more confident
about ourselves," she added. "A lot of us felt more prepared if we
were out alone late at night."
Students also learn that some commonly-used self-protection
devices may not be effective.
For example, pepper spray can be taken by the attacker and used
on the victim, or the wind can blow it back into the victim’s
face.
Though these classes are available to all students, women are
the target group of the course.
"Many women felt more comfortable in an environment of only
women," Ley said, after reading evaluation forms from the
self-defense class that was offered last week.
"Some women even felt uncomfortable if men walked by and looked
through the door," she added.
Ley encourages all women to sign up for these classes, stating
that women tend to be the victim of most crimes and harassment.
"Safety shouldn’t be something that we have to worry about," Ley
said. "But it is an issue we need to deal with everyday."
The next class will be offered on Tuesday in Sproul Hall on the
second-floor lounge.