If Miss Congeniality taught us nothing else, it was to SING. Solar plexus. Instep. Nose. Groin. That’s right: Self-defense in a simple pseudonym. In recognition of Sexual Assault Awareness Week, Students for Women’s Issues offered a self-defense class this Monday. David Heineman (B1) led the class for Drake students.
“Today is about using the resources you already have to defend yourself and to hopefully get away safely,” SWI co-president Jennifer Henry (AS3) said.
Heineman has shared his art since he was 13 years old. He has a third-degree black belt in Taekwondo and Budo Jujitsu and a first degree in Hapkido.
Heineman demonstrated basic, yet effective, moves that can deter attackers in various situations.
One thing that makes women easy targets is their long hair, Heineman said. He said that if the attacker grabs your hair, you should get control of his hand and strike him in the face. However, Heineman advised using the heel of your hand rather than a fist.
The natural reaction women have when being assaulted is to try and pull away from their attacker. However, it is more effective to use their energy against them.
“If he’s pulling you, you don’t want to resist,” Heineman said. “The simplest way to get out of it is to kick him in the knee.”
Heineman has his own memory device for self-defense: See, air, run.
“Make it so they can’t breathe, they can’t see and they can’t move,” Heineman said. “Hit them as hard as you can in the nose or throat, the eyes and their knees.”
However, you don’t need Jackie Chan’s moves to stay safe; just be smart.
“When you’re walking at night, always walk with somebody,” Heineman said.
That cute purse you brought to the party or the high heels you wore to the bar could be an assaulter’s worst nightmare.
“Use everyday objects as weapons,” Heineman said. “Keep your purse in your hand, not over your shoulder.”
This way, it is ready to be used as a defense weapon.
Lauren Reed (PP2) also attended the class.
“People think about (self-defense) all the time, but this is one time we get to experience the opportunity,” she said. “Definitely, as a female, it helps to have those skills.”
For Sexual Assault Awareness Week, SWI also hosted a “Rape-Free Zone” on Tuesday to stimulate conversation about sexual assault. Tomorrow, SWI will be showing “Speak,” a film about sexual assault, at 8:30 p.m. in the Bulldog Theatre.
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Students for Women’s Issues leads self-defense class
