Ohio University fraternity Phi Sigma Beta partnered with OU’s police department Tuesday night to hold a workshop in self-defense.
The event, open to the public, lasted from 7:45 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. in The Ping Center’s combative arts room and looked to “teach basic self-defense techniques,” according to James Ray, vice president of Phi Sigma Beta Fraternity Inc., a member of the National Panhellenic Council.
“We’ve been planning (the event) for two and a half weeks. We didn’t get as many people as we thought, but we did get a lot of people interested who couldn’t come, so the turnout for future events looks promising,” Ray said. “Some sororities have over 100 members, so if we paired with another organization, the turnout would be a lot better.”
Officer Brandon King, a 13 year veteran of OUPD, led the event, speaking about his personal experience and defense techniques he has used in his line of work.
“We have self-defense laws for a reason. You’re allowed to use them,” King told the ten people in attendance.
King explained the various techniques of self-defense including head-butts, strikes, using car keys and knives and exploiting weak points, while explaining what actions constituted each amount of force.
He also spelled out the factors that go into a fight and how they can be seen by police and courts.
“Everything depends on who’s involved, what’s going on, and where it’s at. (Courts) look at size, gender and if they were drinking,” King said. “The force to use has to be proportional or slightly above.”
King also addressed some scenarios specifically regarding women, stressing the importance of not appearing meek or like an easy target.
“A confident woman is a dangerous woman,” King said. “Get into something that builds your confidence.”
This may not be the last time Phi Beta Sigma and OUPD will team up.
Toward the end of the workshop, Ray and King both expressed desire to hold more sessions with more hands-on techniques, cutting back on some of the officer’s presentation and background.
“OUPD is interested in partnering with Phi Beta Sigma and making this an annual program,” Ray said. “We are currently still negotiating and discussing details of the partnership.”
As time ran out, King closed the workshop by asking the attendees what they learned to which most replied with answers of ear rips, groin punches, neck strikes, and several other techniques and safety precautions.
“I thought it was good and really informal,” said Jacqueline Campbell, a senior studying hospitality management who attended the workshop. “I learned a lot of techniques.”
lf491413@ohio.edu
@LukeFurmanOU
