Self-defense seminar teaches protection

Martial Arts expert Dave Castoldi will teach a “Defense Against Knife Attack” seminar from 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday in the School of Health, Physical Education, and Recreation room 169.

All experience levels are welcome, and participants will receive a certificate after completing the clinic.

The seminar costs $45 if pre-registered and $55 at the door. The cost for students is $40 if pre-registered and $50 at the door.

Ryukyu Kyusho Martial Arts is sponsoring the seminar.

David Rhodes, owner of Ryukyu Kyusho, met Castoldi several years ago and has worked out with him a few times. Rhodes said he decided to invite Castoldi to teach students a self-defense seminar after the stabbings that occurred in fall 2008.

“It’s a good thing to invite him up here to expose him to the IU students,” Rhodes said.
Castoldi is a 10th degree Grand Master.

He has been involved with Jujitsu America for more than 30 years and has been invited to the annual Jujitsu America National Convention for 18 years straight.

Rhodes said he wants students to learn they do have options when defending themselves, so Castoldi will cover many different situations.

“Hopefully no one will ever run into this, but if you do, you have some self defense for it,” Rhodes said. “But you only defend yourself when you absolutely have to.”

Rhodes said the seminar should be fun and informative, and students should hopefully leave with a new set of skills to defend themselves.

Videotaping will not be allowed at the seminar, but Castoldi’s videos, “Defense Against Knife Attacks I” and “Defense Against Knife Attacks 2,” will be sold.

If students would like to attend but can’t stay for the entire clinic, they are still encouraged to come, Rhodes said.