Self-defense is not just a useful skill for heroes such as Superman or Batman. And tonight, mere mortals can learn their tactics as well.
Ohio University’s Survivor Advocacy Program is hosting a personal safety and self-defense workshop.
“The goal of this program is to empower students to be assertive,” said Lindsey Daniels, Survivor Advocacy Program coordinator.
Cheryl Cesta, a self-defense trainer for over 30 years, will lead the workshop.
The class will emphasize five areas of self-defense as well as embracing methods of verbal and physical resistance.
“The most useful thing I have learned is that I would rather say something and risk being embarrassed than not say anything at all,” Daniels said.
She added that September is considered a precarious time for students.
Freshmen are especially vulnerable and are encouraged to attend the event but it is still open to anyone who is interested.
“We want anyone to feel like they can come. The venue can hold about 30 people,” Daniels said. “If it gets too full, we will collect contact information and let people know when the next one is.”
The course is free and will be held in room 403 of Baker University Center.
The Survivor Advocacy Program will hold other events throughout the year, including another self-defense workshop Oct. 26 at 6 p.m.
One in every six women and one in 33 men will be sexually assaulted in their lifetime, according to rainn.org.
“This class is important,” Daniels said. “I mean, if I were in a bad situation, I would want to be able to defend myself or be able to help someone else. I would hope someone would do the same for my sisters, for my guy friends, or even for me.”
