Self-defense class to help women, St. Jude’s hospital

Women of all ages will be taught how to get out of harmful situations such as wrist grabs and bear hugs Saturday, all in an effort to raise money for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.\nFrom 1 to 3 p.m. in room 169 of the School of Health, Physical Education and Recreation, IU Police Department Sgt. David Rhodes and other certified instructors will be teaching basic self-defense tactics to women. All the proceeds from the class will go to the children of St. Jude, which is dedicated to helping children and finding cures for cancer.\n“There’s a lot of other things for people to donate money to,” Rhodes said. “We will take what we can get. Every dollar they get goes straight to helping the children.” \nThe of the class is $25, but if participants pay $35, they will receive a T-shirt. A backpack will be given out with a donation of $75. If people don’t want to participate in the class, they can donate any amount of money during, before or after the class. Money has already been directly given to Rhodes.\n“Whenever you can combine two very worthwhile things, how great is that?” said IUPD Sgt. Leslie Slone, an instructor for the class. “You’re helping St. Jude, but you’re helping other people as well. Why not combine? It’s a good cause. It’s a good tag team.”\nRhodes hopes to see 30 or more people attend the class, which would net a minimum of $750 for St. Jude.\nWith only a two-hour course, Rhodes plans to go over several defense tactics, the most important skill being to keep a positive outlook when someone is faced with a difficult decision. He said he also likes to go over “what if” scenarios participants may have thought of.\n“I hope they get an idea that there are things they can do if they decide to,” said Sarah Greene, an instructor for the course. “It’s a relaxed environment. We hope people feel a little more empowered. It’s not about strength, it’s about being smart.”