IUPD offering seminar in self-defense

Verbal judo, crime prevention through environmental design and self-defense tactics will be the topics of discussion at Thursday’s on-campus crime seminar.

“We teach individuals how to look for cues that other people are demonstrating that may indicate hostility or anger which may turn into a negative situation,” IU Police Department Interim Chief Jerry Minger said.

IU Human Resources Organizational Development  approached IUPD and asked them to implement the program.

These cues may include alternating voice tones, talking speed or change of mannerisms.

The first two segments of the program will teach how to avoid physical altercations.
“These are things people can do every day ... however some people are more attuned to certain gestures than others,” Minger said.

Verbal judo involves the tactical use of words in a confrontational situation.
Sgt. Leslie Slone will lead the second of the three segments during Thursday’s presentation.

“She is well versed in CPTED,” Minger said.

CPTED stands for crime prevention through environmental design.

“It is nothing more than making sure your environment is conducive for certain behavior to occur,” Minger said.

Placing barriers, such as a desk or chair can have a negative effect on the person who with you are having a dispute.

Sgt. Dave Rhodes will teach the final portion of the discussion. His lecture will discuss physical defense tactics as a last resort approach to a verbal argument.

Rhodes is a defense tactics trainer at IUPD and has been involved in martial arts for 40 years. He teaches Japanese Jujitsu at the School of Health, Physical Education, and Recreation and owns Ryukyu Kyusho, a martial arts studio on Walnut Street.

“I am going to be showing escape and evade techniques,” Rhodes said.

Although he is teaching physical defense tactics, Rhodes stresses that, if possible, it is wise to talk out of any hostile situation.

Rhodes has previously given presentations to sororities, women’s dormitories and office workers.

“This is not targeted to any specific person,” Minger said. “Everyone can benefit from this.”