Self-defense programs throughout Columbus are helping participants recognize opportunities which build self-confidence in day-to-day interactions, while teaching the techniques necessary to survive a physical attack.
“If you can’t be assertive in everyday situations, then how are you going to be assertive and strong if you’re being physically attacked?” said Deborah Schipper, coordinator for the Rape Education and Prevention Program at Ohio State.
Schipper encourages students to start with friends, co-workers and family members to begin the gradual process of building confidence.
Julie Harmon, executive director of IMPACT Safety Programs, said people gain confidence on a daily basis through self-defense.
“The classes are life-changing because there is the ability to understand and engage in different choices for emotional safety,” Harmon said. “There is an increase of what (students) can do in the world.”
Annie Diorio, a junior in industrial design, said her Education and Physical Sciences 172 class, a self-defense course, has helped make her more assertive.
“(The teacher) really makes you believe you are a strong woman,” Diorio said. “The class makes you more confident in everything you do, so it’s easier to stand up for yourself. If someone makes a comment I don’t like, I tell them, ‘don’t talk to me like that.’ It’s mostly tiny points throughout the day and everyday situations where you are defending yourself.”
Schipper said anything an individual does to survive an attack or to get out of an uncomfortable situation is right. With time and the development of confidence, people will be able to put the five levels of self-defense to better use.
The levels include being aware of one’s surroundings, coupled with believing in intuition. Schipper explained that communicating a “strong manner” through body language, in addition to utilizing verbal self-defense are all precursors to getting physical with an attacker. She said only after all other options have been exhausted or if the situation begins with a physical assault should anyone proceed with physical defense.
Sheila Robinson of Columbus participates in a martial arts class at a local YMCA. Should the moment arise for her to use her self-defense skills, Robinson said she would be prepared.
“I do feel like if someone were to come up from behind me or come up on me, fear wouldn’t take over,” she said. “I would be a little more apt to try to defend myself, instead of being scared.”
For Cmdr. Ralph Portier of the Pickerington Police Department, the confidence he possesses because of self-defense and martial arts training allows him to handle stressful job situations.
“I’ve been in burning cars with people. I’ve had to make death notifications of children that were killed, and I do think it builds confidence to be able to do that,” Portier said. “I can shake and cry later, which I do.”
Portier recalls a moment when he was watching traffic and witnessed an unidentified man pull up in front of him, get out of his car, jump over the hood and begin to approach him, while reaching around in his pockets. Because of his martial arts skills and calmness, Portier immediately handcuffed the man and placed him in the back of the police cruiser.
“I remember the initial situation. I remember what I had to do as far as getting out because I focused on that,” Portier said. “But I wasn’t worried at all about what I needed to do to protect myself. I think there’s that will to survive.”
Schipper said people with self-defense training, especially women, increase their sense of worth. For those who have a fear of being direct or do not want to incur conflict, Schipper recommends those individuals push themselves out of their comfort zone.
