By Elaine Cashy, Arts and Life Assistant Editor
On March 8, students had the chance to try out their self-defense skills and attend a seminar sponsored by the Tae Kwon Do club. Although few students took advantage of this opportunity, the ones who did seemed to have fun and learned how to throw an effective punch.
Sandra Bullock in Miss Congeniality taught many how to S.I.N.G., but not every attack requires a strike to the solar plexus, instep, nose, and groin. One of the more valuable pieces of information shared at the club taught how to prevent an attack before it happens.
The most effective way to prevent an attack is simply to be aware. This means no texting and walking, making eye contact, and paying attention to surroundings. Instructor of the Tae Kwon Do Club Jordan Slomovitz claims, “Someone is picked as a target because they aren’t paying attention to their surroundings.”
Another way the seminar taught to prevent an attack is to use your voice. Yell at people before they get close enough to hurt you. Many instructors have taught for people to scream “fire,” but Slomovitz encourages “Back off” because that brings all the attention to you. When people yell fire, the first thing bystander look for is smoke, and they do not focus on the victim.
Although these tips can help prevent attacks, they can still happen. The seminar taught small, effective moves to fight off an attacker. The average attack lasts 23 seconds, and moves such as the palm strike are used to quickly hinder the attacker long enough to make an escape. Tae Kwon Do President and Black Belt Alice Heider ’14 says in reference to defense techniques “Everyone’s favorite is the pressure points.”
After an escaped attack, the victim must find help, either going to the police or security to report the incident. Slomovitz instructs, “always contact the police” and get someone involved.
The Denison Tae Kwon Do Club will host another seminar in April, the date to be determined. For anyone who wants to learn more about the club or self-defense, contact Heider at [email protected] or Slomovitz at [email protected]. The club practices every Tuesday and Thursday at 6:30 in the Mitchell Multi Purpose Room, and Sundays at 2:30.