College Campus Awareness

[mj-hi-yah]

We may be taking on a female summer student who is looking for basic self defense for college life. She's not really interested in learning a total system, especially since she'll only be with us for about 6 - 8 weeks. I have lots of things that I'd like to teach her in terms of different defenses, and basic awareness, but I'm wondering if anyone has anything specific that they could share on campus awareness...things like dorm safety, date rape or anything else related to campus life.

Tess I've read that you have lots of college students that come to your school. Do you teach anything specific in this area to female college students?

Thanks,
MJ :asian:

[lvwhitebir]

I teach self-defense classes and have done a lot of research into the subject. The US Dept of Justice has a few statistics concerning college problems (The Sexual Victimization of College Women).

From it, there are these statistics that can help you tailor your program:

1) Congress has required all colleges to collect and have available crime statistics. Look up the stats for your local area. Determine what's the most probable type of attacks and base your program on that.
2) The victimization rate in the sample was 27.7 rapes per 1000 female students. Projecting the results over 5 years (an average college career), the percentage of completed or attempted rape victimization among women might climb to between 20-25%. Date rape has a real high percentage, so I base most of my course on defending against that. For example, in a date rape, you're normally seated or reclining with the victim on you -- so we do some grappling defense to learn to generate distance. Most women have long nails or wear jewelry to make punching difficult if not impossible, so we do open hand strikes and elbow strikes.
3) Many women don't consider what happened a rape. For the 86 incidents categorized as a completed rape, 46.5% of the women said "yes", 48.8% said "no", and 4.7% said "don't know." Your students have to know the legal definitions and have to know what consent is (btw, consent is required or it's legally rape; and consent is not silent approval)!
4) For both completed and attempted rapes, about 9 in 10 offenders were known to the victim.
5) With regard to date rape, 12.8% of completed rapes, 35.0% of attempted rapes, and 22.9% of threatened rapes took place on a date. To me, this means you can't usually rely on weapons other than your own body.
6) As to time, 51.8% of completed rapes took place after midnight, 36.5% occurred between 6pm and midnight, and only 11.8% took place between 6am and 6pm.
7) Almost 60% of the completed rapes that occurred on campus took place in the victim's residence, 31% occurred in other living quarters on campus, and 10.3% took place in a fraternity.
8) For both completed rape and sexual coercion, victims of completed acts were less likely to take protective action than those who experienced attempted victimization. Women who fought back had more of a chance to stop the attack.
9) About 20% of rape and attempted rape victims reported being injured, most often citing bruises, black-eye, cust, scratches, swelling, or chipped teeth.
10) Fewer than 5% of completed and attempted rapes were reported to law enforcement officials.
11) 13.1% of the students in the sample had been stalked since the school year began

I'll try to give you more information about my program later.

WhiteBirch

[KenpoTess]

Hey MJ :)

Been flitting around for the weekend and just got a chance to perch long enough to answer :)

Yes, we do teach alot of College girls, not only at our school, but We are (as far as I know, the ONLY accredited Kenpo Karate classes offered at an University. We teach Karate classes at Shepherd University and the majority of students are Female. Many of them do have concerns with safety on campus, and a few have had to utilize (also a male student) their techniques on attackers. One girl who was a very timid Music major (never wanting to punch, as her hands are her meal ticket *Pianist*) she was told to drop by her parents and eventually did :( But I ran into her one day on campus and she said she was attacked, Using a Kenpo Tec, she thwarted him and saved herself ~! One of our Male students used Alternating Maces against a big ole Football player and even though he got injured *before defending with the tec, he was alot LESS injured than he could of been and was able to get away.
There's Not really anything specific other than 'verbalizing to the youth what can happen, what to be prepared for, how to utilize weapons such as purses, bookbags, car keys, drilling AK yellow belt sayings into them, *Distance is your Best Friend* etc. Teaching them good basics. If the girls are wearing heels, Use them, Practice kicking with them, and in skirts. Not to be afraid to defend themselves. Too many young women have had no reason to punch someone, Didn't grow up with brothers ;) so use those nails, and scratch, pull hair.. nothing wrong with that~!
Good luck~!
Goota scoot :)

~Tess

[mj-hi-yah]

I teach self-defense classes and have done a lot of research into the subject. The US Dept of Justice has a few statistics concerning college problems (The Sexual Victimization of College Women).

From it, there are these statistics that can help you tailor your program:

1) Congress has required all colleges to collect and have available crime statistics. Look up the stats for your local area. Determine what's the most probable type of attacks and base your program on that.
2) The victimization rate in the sample was 27.7 rapes per 1000 female students. Projecting the results over 5 years (an average college career), the percentage of completed or attempted rape victimization among women might climb to between 20-25%. Date rape has a real high percentage, so I base most of my course on defending against that. For example, in a date rape, you're normally seated or reclining with the victim on you -- so we do some grappling defense to learn to generate distance. Most women have long nails or wear jewelry to make punching difficult if not impossible, so we do open hand strikes and elbow strikes.
3) Many women don't consider what happened a rape. For the 86 incidents categorized as a completed rape, 46.5% of the women said "yes", 48.8% said "no", and 4.7% said "don't know." Your students have to know the legal definitions and have to know what consent is (btw, consent is required or it's legally rape; and consent is not silent approval)!
4) For both completed and attempted rapes, about 9 in 10 offenders were known to the victim.
5) With regard to date rape, 12.8% of completed rapes, 35.0% of attempted rapes, and 22.9% of threatened rapes took place on a date. To me, this means you can't usually rely on weapons other than your own body.
6) As to time, 51.8% of completed rapes took place after midnight, 36.5% occurred between 6pm and midnight, and only 11.8% took place between 6am and 6pm.
7) Almost 60% of the completed rapes that occurred on campus took place in the victim's residence, 31% occurred in other living quarters on campus, and 10.3% took place in a fraternity.
8) For both completed rape and sexual coercion, victims of completed acts were less likely to take protective action than those who experienced attempted victimization. Women who fought back had more of a chance to stop the attack.
9) About 20% of rape and attempted rape victims reported being injured, most often citing bruises, black-eye, cust, scratches, swelling, or chipped teeth.
10) Fewer than 5% of completed and attempted rapes were reported to law enforcement officials.
11) 13.1% of the students in the sample had been stalked since the school year began

I'll try to give you more information about my program later.

WhiteBirch Thanks so much for this information... scary really! The stuff about date rape prevention is perfect, and I agree that grappling defenses are really important for young women to know. I'd like to hear more about what you do.

MJ :asian:

[mj-hi-yah]

Hey MJ :)

Been flitting around for the weekend and just got a chance to perch long enough to answer :)Hi Tess,

No Problem...still have all the house guests mewing and barking all around ya?


Yes, we do teach alot of College girls, not only at our school, but We are (as far as I know, the ONLY accredited Kenpo Karate classes offered at an University. We teach Karate classes at Shepherd University and the majority of students are Female. That is awesome...it's something I'd love to get more involved in.


I ran into her one day on campus and she said she was attacked, Using a Kenpo Tec, she thwarted him and saved herself ~! One of our Male students used Alternating Maces against a big ole Football player and even though he got injured *before defending with the tec, he was alot LESS injured than he could of been and was able to get away. It's great to hear when it works, and who knows maybe the girl's parents will let her come back as a result!


There's Not really anything specific other than 'verbalizing to the youth what can happen, what to be prepared for, how to utilize weapons such as purses, bookbags, car keys, drilling AK yellow belt sayings into them, *Distance is your Best Friend* etc. Teaching them good basics. If the girls are wearing heels, Use them, Practice kicking with them, and in skirts. Not to be afraid to defend themselves. Too many young women have had no reason to punch someone, Didn't grow up with brothers ;) so use those nails, and scratch, pull hair.. nothing wrong with that~! Lots of this we do already, but the skirt idea is new and repeating the yellow belt sayings :ultracool ...interesting and makes sense! Love my brother and my sisters too for my early training! :)

Thanks,
MJ :asian:

[Anna Bastiaans]

Have been teaching a self defence course for young women for the last 4 summers in Israel and Holland (ages: 15-23). From my experience it's best to concentrate on basic defence techniques (high, middle and low blocks), hand attacking techniques (with the palm to the neck) and basic kicks. I also teached them to use all they have in hands at the moment of attack, such as umbrella, a pen, high heels, a file (for nails). I actually brought these objects to class and we practiced. If there is enough time, you can also teach some Hapkido techniques (freeing yourself from someone graqbbing your hand, grabbing from behind, from the side etc.). I would also stress the volunerable points in the body (eyes, nose, lips, throat, plexus, groin and feet).

I hope I gave you some ideas,
Anna.

[mj-hi-yah]

Have been teaching a self defence course for young women for the last 4 summers in Israel and Holland (ages: 15-23). From my experience it's best to concentrate on basic defence techniques (high, middle and low blocks), hand attacking techniques (with the palm to the neck) and basic kicks. I also teached them to use all they have in hands at the moment of attack, such as umbrella, a pen, high heels, a file (for nails). I actually brought these objects to class and we practiced. If there is enough time, you can also teach some Hapkido techniques (freeing yourself from someone graqbbing your hand, grabbing from behind, from the side etc.). I would also stress the volunerable points in the body (eyes, nose, lips, throat, plexus, groin and feet).

I hope I gave you some ideas,
Anna.Hi Anna,

Great ideas, I especially love the idea of bringing in everyday objects to class to practice with!

Thanks,
MJ :)

[loki09789]

We may be taking on a female summer student who is looking for basic self defense for college life. She's not really interested in learning a total system, especially since she'll only be with us for about 6 - 8 weeks. I have lots of things that I'd like to teach her in terms of different defenses, and basic awareness, but I'm wondering if anyone has anything specific that they could share on campus awareness...things like dorm safety, date rape or anything else related to campus life.

Tess I've read that you have lots of college students that come to your school. Do you teach anything specific in this area to female college students?

Thanks,
MJ :asian:Knowledge is power. Have this student, or got through with her, do some research specifically on the campus crime rates. This has to be public record and most public safety/police departments (contact both ) to find out what the crime rates are in the area that concern her. Go over campus maps and turn memorizing certain locations/routes on the map into a game by teaching her a technique, using it in a simulated attack ("your walking from A parking lot and get grabbed"...she does the technique) and then make talk you through the rest of the process of escaping and getting to a safe place/reporting it effectively. This is usually called sand table/rock drill/chalk talk type training that engrains the process and tactical adaptations to variables when actually being there is not possible. When she gets there, settling in and orienting to her new surroundings will happen much faster and with more confidence.

College awareness is no different than any other. Know where you are, know what/who is around you, know where the nearest safe place is and all the paths to get there.

The thing that makes college such a problem is that it is usually the first 'adult' life that new students experience so it is more lifestyle choice and when/where you go and who you go with that can lead to problems.

The idea of focusing on simple stuff in the technical realm is a good idea. I would add that you need to tell this girl that you are going to be 'pushing some buttons' to get her to tap into that 'will to live'/fighting spirit. Techniques don't mean a thing unless the user has the will and intent to use them.

Consider the 'uncomfortable' positions too. Bearhugs, mounted positions.... because from what I can remember, the statistically most dangerous threat to female students is date rape. Use the crime report research to create awareness (and some realistic knowledge instead of just 'fear') as well as a way to focus on the problems/scenarios that seem to be the problem.

[mj-hi-yah]

Go over campus maps and turn memorizing certain locations/routes on the map into a game by teaching her a technique, using it in a simulated attack ("your walking from A parking lot and get grabbed"...she does the technique) and then make talk you through the rest of the process of escaping and getting to a safe place/reporting it effectively. This is usually called sand table/rock drill/chalk talk type training that engrains the process and tactical adaptations to variables when actually being there is not possible. When she gets there, settling in and orienting to her new surroundings will happen much faster and with more confidence.Very innovative...this is great!


The thing that makes college such a problem is that it is usually the first 'adult' life that new students experience so it is more lifestyle choice and when/where you go and who you go with that can lead to problems. I totally agree!


The idea of focusing on simple stuff in the technical realm is a good idea. I would add that you need to tell this girl that you are going to be 'pushing some buttons' to get her to tap into that 'will to live'/fighting spirit. Techniques don't mean a thing unless the user has the will and intent to use them.I think hitting the pads helps women to overcome this a bit. Suddenly seemingly shy women explode on the scene!


Consider the 'uncomfortable' positions too. Bearhugs, mounted positions.... because from what I can remember, the statistically most dangerous threat to female students is date rape. Use the crime report research to create awareness (and some realistic knowledge instead of just 'fear') as well as a way to focus on the problems/scenarios that seem to be the problem. Agree...

Thanks!

MJ :asian:

[loki09789]

Very innovative...this is great!

I totally agree!

I think hitting the pads helps women to overcome this a bit. Suddenly seemingly shy women explode on the scene!

Agree...

Thanks!

MJ :asian:
If you follow the tradition vs. Reality or the Military arts vs...thread then you will see where I am coming from as far as training mentallity.

This type of thing (scenarios, sand table stuff..) is what makes Reality based martial arts/Tactical training distinct from 'traditional' training. The simplest way to look at it is to answer the following questions:

What are you training for in the short term (college life/possible threats) and the long term (enhanced perception/awareness and abilities that help you effectively maintian your cool and come up with a good plan when the world is going to dooky all around you and thus create peace of mind and realistic confidence/resignation about what you can and cannot control)?

What skills/information do I need to be able to accomplish those short/long term goals?

The best saying that I took from the military was to train like you fight so that you fight like you train. If you don't train the total set of skills, you will not be totally prepared.

[FUZZYJ692000]

mj-hi-yah,

i would have to agree with everyone on here. just to add to it, being a college female myself make sure you emphasize environmental awareness. she may know defenses but she can prevent having to use them just by being cautious of where she is. i know that a lot of campuses have on-campus patrol even then make sure you walk in well lighted areas. try not to walk in a parking lot by yourself. for example coming back from the library on a late study night, have a study partner walk with you. always be careful of the company you keep. you can never instill enough about that, you may think you know someone but even the statistics show that most rapes are by someone you know. if you are out, look around at what can be used as a weapon if need be. i know i've pulled some late nights in the library or computer labs where i'm the only one on that floor, let me tell you if i needed to i'd use that keyboard to clock someone, i'll buy the school a new one, but i'd still be alive and hopefully uninjured. just a few tid-bits. seig taught our karate class a lot of nice little things when i first started, just because there were so many college females and you really can never know too much.

[mj-hi-yah]

If you follow the tradition vs. Reality or the Military arts vs...thread then you will see where I am coming from as far as training mentallity. Paul,

:ultracoolSounds good. Where are the threads located? Which forum?

Thanks! I'll check them out when I get a chance...


MJ :asian:

[mj-hi-yah]

mj-hi-yah,

i would have to agree with everyone on here. just to add to it, being a college female myself make sure you emphasize environmental awareness. she may know defenses but she can prevent having to use them just by being cautious of where she is. i know that a lot of campuses have on-campus patrol even then make sure you walk in well lighted areas. try not to walk in a parking lot by yourself. for example coming back from the library on a late study night, have a study partner walk with you. always be careful of the company you keep. you can never instill enough about that, you may think you know someone but even the statistics show that most rapes are by someone you know. if you are out, look around at what can be used as a weapon if need be. i know i've pulled some late nights in the library or computer labs where i'm the only one on that floor, let me tell you if i needed to i'd use that keyboard to clock someone, i'll buy the school a new one, but i'd still be alive and hopefully uninjured. just a few tid-bits. seig taught our karate class a lot of nice little things when i first started, just because there were so many college females and you really can never know too much.Thanks for coming in to reply on this. I was hoping to hear from someone who is in the thick of it. It's been a couple of years since I was on a college campus. This is all good stuff! I agree about the keyboard, heck wack 'em with the monitor while you are at it...should leave a nice lump. :) A study partner is also a great idea! And unfortunately you are right women are often attacked by people they know...what a shame, but I agree it's something all college girls should be aware of!

Thanks again for your input!

MJ :asian:

[loki09789]

Paul,

:ultracoolSounds good. Where are the threads located? Which forum?

Thanks! I'll check them out when I get a chance...


MJ :asian:
The general martial arts pages. If you check out my profile and click on my post history, you will find it too.