Self Defense Classes on College Campuses

by Michelle
(Ohio)

According to the article in US News and World Report, more and more colleges and universities throughout the country are adding self defense classes to their curriculum. The best type of self defense classes on college campuses focuses on both physical skills and life lessons.

Not only should these classes teach you how to defend yourself against an attacker, but they should teach you how to deal with certain situations like going out to a bar or a nightclub.

When you go to a nightclub, don't let someone else get your drink for you and don't leave your drink unattended.

The self defense class should teach college students how to be aware of the security issues on campus, especially if they live in a dorm, keeping their room door locked, even when he/she is there and especially at night, and having a buddy system in place so they're not walking to and from their dorm room by themselves at night.

I think that freshmen should take a self defense course during their first semester in college because many freshmen don't have experience being away from home and living on their own.

A self defense class will help give students the confidence they need in order to deal with difficult or life-threatening situations. It can also improve a student’s self esteem.

While most classes teach students the self defense moves to use if they are attacked, some classes are more radical than others.

There is one class that uses a method developed by a Pittsburgh police officer, Curtis Smith, called BYAM (By Yourself a Minute) which has groups of students walk the streets of a neighborhood in Pittsburgh. They are subjected to simulated attacks and use silly string as a substitute for pepper spray.

The students have to use their training to physically escape an attack. This BYAM method helps students to be aware of just how they would react in a life-threatening situation. It gives them more of a real world experience.

If you are in college but your school doesn't offer a self defense class, find out if there is a class being offered somewhere nearby that you can attend. Make it a buddy or group outing by inviting your roommate or friends to join the class with you.

Click here to find out about The 7 Most Effective Self Defense Techniques.