Pointlife
Self-Defense is more than one swift kick
The Pointer
mbaum925@uwsp.edu
In the 1990s, a popular phrase was to “kick ‘em in the jimmy.” However, it is suggested that in self-defense, this is not always the way to go when trying to save your life from being victimized.
On Tuesday, Feb. 17, Gamma Phi Delta sorority sponsored a women’s self-defense class at the Allen Center. Created by the sorority to primarily be a wellness event for their organization, it was also presented as a serious means of protection for women on campus.
“With our primary focus being philanthropic events on campus and in the community, we very much felt this was a prime example of this,” said Holly Soik, Gamma Phi Delta president.
Kyle Mealy, president of the Tae Kwon Do Club on the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point campus, led the presentation. Right off, Mealy suggested that going straight for the groin, although a known method, may not be automatically effective.
“The attacker can block your knee with his knee, and chances are, he will end up in less pain, and chances are, more angry,” said Mealy to the eager and willing female participants.
Mealy proceeded to discuss the most effective methods for avoiding attacks before they start.
When walking, maintain posture by walking tall and confident and sustaining eye contact with those on your journey.
When approaching a car, do it with a key in hand, ready to unlock the door, not in a purse, so it doesn’t have to be searched for. Take time to notice if there is a van parked adjacent to your automobile; be wary of it, as assailants may simply grab the victim and toss them into the van. It is also recommended to check under your car as attackers may seek to hide underneath and grab at the ankles of the victim. Finally, when entering the car, do a cursory check of the backseat to make sure the assailant is not camping out there.
He went on to explain how to break hair holds, chokeholds, wrist holds and bear hugs and also how to emphasize and center on the attacker’s pressure points.
The main action for the victim if they are found to be in the attacker’s grasp is to be thinking attentively in the moment. Recognizing how each hold is applied, and how the attacker is standing, are principles the victim can use to their advantage. Whichever way the attacker moves, the victim should move the opposite way. If one technique does not work it can be counteracted by another one. If that does not work, try another option. Not all hold breaks work on every attacker, so it is very important for the victim to be cognizant of all the breaks available to them.
Towards the end of the session, when asked by a participant if it “Is ok, to just act crazy or frantic, to take the place of action?” Mealy was in wide disagreement with that idea.
“You can scream ‘fire’ to catch others’ attention, but in order to break free, the resistance provided the attacker must be directed,” said Mealy. “Anything must be done physically to get away from him. ”
This is when, and only when, the widespread methods such as kneeing in the groin and poking in the eyes should be employed.
As not all techniques for protection were covered comprehensively in this article, please note that if your organization is looking to learn more about women’s self-defense, Mealy is open to teaching further classes and giving further pointers. He can be contacted at kmeal695@uwsp.edu.
