Self-defense, rape awareness seminar teaches techniques

Members of the Hapkido/Self-Defense club offered strangers the opportunity to punch, kick and sit on them Saturday afternoon at the School of Health, Physical Education, and Recreation building. But it was for a good cause. \nThe club held a self-defense and rape awareness seminar Saturday to help prevent IU students from becoming statistics this spring break. \n“Every 41 seconds in this country, a woman is raped,” instructor Jacki Watson said. \nShe said though the men in the audience might have felt isolated since rape is mostly associated with women, men can be sexually assaulted as well, and each of them has a mother, sisters, female friends or a girlfriend.\nDuring the seminar, Watson cited a “predator selection” study performed by Steve Thompson, an expert in self-defense. Thompson interviewed 15 rapists in three prisons and showed them 10 video clips of women, asking which they would choose to attack. All 15 men picked the same five women as potential targets, based on factors such as lack of eye contact, quietness and posture that suggests low self-esteem. \nPeople who are injured, sick or elderly are also more likely to be attacked, Watson said, because rape is not about lust, it is about controlling another person. The weaker someone is, the easier he or she is to dominate. Also, people who are depressed or have low self-esteem are less likely to fight back, making them “cooperative victims.” \nTo avoid being attacked, Watson advised planning ahead, avoiding distractions and staying alert. When a person is out alone, listening to an iPod might be risky because it both distracts the listener and muffles other sounds, she said.\nIn situations involving alcohol, Watson, a former bartender, recommended the buddy system.\n“Take care of your buddies,” she said. “Perhaps take turns being the sober buddy.”\nKeeping track of each other is key, as “isolation is the first step” to attacking someone, Watson said.\nShe also warned of the dangers of mixing drugs and alcohol, either deliberately, accidentally or unknowingly.\n“Watch your drinks,” Watson said. “Any combination of alcohol and prescription drugs can make someone pass out, willingly or unwillingly.” \nWhen trying to help with victims, Watson stressed the importance of being gentle. However, she said it is important to encourage victims to go to the hospital. Sexual assault victims are encouraged not to shower or change clothes, because either could destroy evidence. Without evidence, it is much more difficult for law enforcement officials to convict an attacker. \nWatson, IU Martial Arts Program Coordinator Patrick Kelly and club member Niles Hall also taught participants groundwork, kicking and punching techniques. Each stressed the importance of using body mass and biomechanics to put as much power into the movements as possible. For example, twisting the hips when throwing a punch or kick adds power through torque. \nSeveral participants said the seminar made them want to learn more about Hapkido by taking a class or joining the club.\n“I didn’t know anything about martial arts before I came here,” said freshman Missy Frye, adding that she now plans to check out the club and perhaps take one of the classes next semester. \nClub president Brian Pike said he was satisfied with the seminar.\n“We had a good number of people,” he said. “It ran pretty smooth overall. I have no complaints.”