Self-defense classes give students peace of mind

LSA senior Marissa Przybylo isn't scared anymore.

After three years of martial arts training, she said she is confident she can ward off most unarmed attackers.

But without formal martial arts training and no experience fending off attackers, most students don't feel so secure, said Tony Springfield, who teaches self-defense classes at the University.

With three muggings on campus in recent weeks, Przybylo said every student should consider learning basic self-defense techniques.

"If I see someone who looks kind of suspicious, I like to review my Tae Kwon Do in my mind," Przybylo said. "If they come up and grab me, I have better reflexes and I know certain pressure points I can hit if I'm in a rape situation. We spar every d

PAUL TALANIAN/Daily LSA seniors Laura Moskowitz and Marissa Przybylo practice Tae Kwon Do yesterday at the Intramural Sports Building.

ay and we do mock gun and knife situations."

But students cannot learn a formal martial arts discipline overnight. Individuals seeking immediate results are better off taking a practical self-defense course, said Karen Clark, a member of the University Aikido Club.

"For some students, self-defense is very much their interest. But in Aikido, it's not like five easy steps," Clark said. "I doubt someone taking a class for a semester would be able to apply it to defend themselves."

The Division of Kinesiology's UMOVE program offers a class each semester that meets in 10 hour sessions and teaches some basic self-defense fundamentals. Springfield, the program's instructor, said the course caters to students who may not have the time or desire to learn a martial art.

"We got through a lot of preventative awareness to try to anticipate what happens before it happens," Springfield said. "But I also teach how to ward off an attack. There's no (particular) way of dealing with a situation. It depends on what happens."

During the UMOVE course, students learn to respond to hair pulls, waist grabs, choking and kidnapping attempts. Repetition is stressed as students practice each technique eight to 10 times in a row.

At times, participants hold back laughter as they try to evade Springfield's attacks. But Springfield said that this mock sparring improves recall if a real situation occurs.

"If you're even halfway aware of what's going on, you need to make an effort to fight back or get away," he said.

Springfield said that if the assailant is a large male, the victim should attack his face or groin.

"If you stun him for even a second, it can make a difference," Springfield said. "Walk back eight to 10 feet and then turn around and run."

Ann Arbor Police Department Sgt. Larry Jerue said that while it is a good idea for people to take self-defense courses, inexperienced students sometimes have a tendency to be overconfident when evaluating dangerous situations. He said students must thoroughly practice techniques they learn in self-defense courses before they consider putting them to use.

"If there's a class to take on self-defense, by all means take that class," Jerue said. "But just taking the class without practicing and becoming proficient will increase your chance of harm."

Law third-year student Laura Hutchinson, a participant in the UMOVE course, said that as an undergraduate at Rutgers University she was not concerned about safety issues. But now, she realizes that self-defense is something everyone should learn.

"I think people under 21 don't worry about crime all that much," Hutchinson said. "But generally when you're older you become a lot more cautious."

Safety concerns aren't the only reason students take self-defense and martial arts courses. Many participants say martial arts are mentally invigorating, boost self-confidence and improve clarity of thought.

Engineering senior Gerald Olivari, who has taken Tae Kwon Do courses for the past two semesters, said he uses the sport to escape his hectic schedule.

"I'm very busy and president of three different organizations, this class provides relaxation for me," Olivari said. "I wanted to gain control over my body. Now I'm able to think my way through situations. Someone could throw a move that I've never seen before and I can better evaluate how to respond."

LSA senior Laura Moskowitz said that after swimming for years, she started practicing Tae Kwon Do because it allowed her to exercise with groups of people.

"I wanted a more interesting way of working out and self-defense was only a bit of the motivation," Moskowitz said. "It's definitely a big boost of confidence starting a martial art, but I don't know if even as of now I'd feel comfortable if someone attacked me on the street."

Jerue said students should keep in mind that resisting an attacker is usually not the best course of action.

"Most injuries occur when people resist," Jerue said. "Whatever resistance is offered it is often matched and increased by the suspect."

LSA first-year student Zack Beck was recently subject to a dangerous and potentially violent situation. During winter break, Beck watched as a man approached his friend, put both hands in his friend's pockets and stole money. But Beck said the incident has not prompted him to consider taking a self-defense course.

Beck said giving in to muggers is the best option, and urged students to use self-defense only as a last course of action.

"I would never try to brawl with anybody," Beck said. "It's not worth it when your life is in danger. Only in certain situations would I even consider self-defense."

Jerue and Springfield concurred that the best method of self-defense is to make a conscious effort to avoid risky situations. Springfield urged students to plan ahead and be aware of their surroundings.

"Have a general awareness and take steps to prevent a confrontation," Springfield said. "Make yourself a difficult target. If I see a person I'm not familiar with, I cross the street."

"If you think someone is following you, go into a store and browse for a few minutes," he said. "If someone is in a car or walking about, expect the individual to attack you and get into ready mode.

If someone asks for money and looks as if they might be physically aggressive, Springfield said victims should try to reason with the attacker.

"Just back off and say 'please don't do that,'" Springfield said. "Then pull out your wallet and hand it to him. These people are strong and often mentally unstable.

"They usually don't think about consequences until after a physical attack. By speaking to him, you'll make the attacker aware of what he's doing," he said.

01-29-98