College Times

Issue date: 3/20/08 Section: Daily Buzz

Media Credit: Photos.com

So, I'm a girl and I'm alone a lot. Walking, taking the bus, running in my neighborhood, grocery shopping. I do it all pretty much on my own and with all the recent attention on women getting attacked and raped in Tempe, I figured I should do something about it.

Luck would have it that the United Studios of Self-Defense had a free seminar on women's self-defense last weekend. I asked my favorite friend, who walks alone a lot too, to come with me.

At first, it was kind of weird. They made us take off our shoes and bow when entering and leaving their practice room. My friend, the other seven women who came and I all just kind of stood there awkwardly while the instructors gathered punching bags and consulted with each other. But as the class started, all the apprehension and strangeness quickly ended.

The instructors were awesome and I learned so much in that short hour, like how to punch and kick properly, tactics for avoiding a confrontation all together and, best of all, how to use my new stabby weapon they offered to us at the end of class. I'll have to admit it was the first time I punched anything - besides my brother's face when I was 12 - and it was surprisingly empowering.

They have these free seminars several times a year, but they also have free lessons all the time where they will teach you self-defense techniques. Just call for an appointment or visit www.ussd.com.

So, ladies, do it! It could save your life!

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