ResLife presents ‘Defend WUself’ to promote student safety
The female residence life’s program, “Defend WU Self” came about took place in the Wiley Armory last week, and taught students the correct form of self-defense from trained Hapkido instructors.
This is the first year the program was opened up to the entire campus. In year’s past, they have aimed it tspecifically owards the female community.
Torre Remish, a resident assistant in Pollock Hall and a senior psychology major, said she liked the program because Hapkido is something anyone can participate in.
“You donít have to be a big and strong person to defend yourself, Hapkido is for everyone,” said Remish. “We learned three different kicks as well as other moves to defend ourselves. We got to actually do the moves on the guys and they had special pads we could practice on too.”
Cara Paraska, a resident assistant in East Hall and junior forensic science major, believes the program was a success, although she wishes more of the male community had come to the event.
“I think it went really well, we had a good turnout of people. I hope people gained some security and knowing how to protect themselves, especially in the dark or in the parks walking around campus,” said Paraska. “Three [sensei] came to the armory and showed us different types of moves and kicks to defend ourselves, regardless of size and strength, [and] went through step-by-step and [we] practiced on each other.”
Students were given Gatorade and a free t-shirt for participating.
The Hapkido studio also offered a starter kit at a discounted rate for those looking to continue learning the skills.
The program was meant to show that you can protect yourself with just a few simple moves.
Maddie Quast, a freshman nursing major, said she felt safer being taught the moves from trained professionals.
“I wanted to learn little things to make sure I was safe if I was by myself, I thought the things they taught us were cool because no matter what the size of a person, the moves can be done on anyone,” said Quast. “I got the idea that I am not helpless and no matter what I can protect myself and I hope everyone feels comfortable walking around campus by themselves.”
Quast said they taught the difference between causing pain and hurting someone .
According to Quast, the moves were more focused on control tactics rather than hurting someone. She said that after this event, she is interested in taking more classes similar to this one.
Jamie Moore, a freshman nursing major, joined Quast at the program and enjoyed the lessons she learned.
“I learned how to defend myself if a situation occurs,” said Moore. “I thought it was interesting. I donít normally do stuff like that, I donít get involved enough so it was nice to get out of my comfort zone.”