He grabs her ponytail, but before he can attack, the woman turns around and throws a punch. This is one of the scenarios that the instructors of the the Bruin Self Defense program simulate for students. The program, which is taught at Wooden, physically and mentally prepares students for dangerous situations by teaching them defensive strategies. Instructor Paul McCarthy made the course free for the first time this quarter to make it easily available for all interested students. McCarthy also participates in collaborative programs with university police, including the UCLA Safety and Security Committee, which meets biweekly so that departments across campus can stay connected and informed on safety initiatives. Through this committee, McCarthy aids Counseling and Psychological Services with efforts to prevent sexual assault. McCarthy and other instructors speak on the importance of mental preparedness in self-defense.
Since 1919
