Self-defense workshop prepares students for variety of situations

Stephanie Guerra, junior illustration major, kicks a self-defense training pad held by Ren Schmidt, junior sociology major, during a self-defense workshop held by Alpha Phi Gamma Wednesday night in the Neptune Northeast room.

By Barbara Alvarez

Tae Kwon Do Instructor Michael Augsburger taught self-defense to the ladies of Alpha Phi Gamma and anyone else who wished to partake Tuesday night.

Participants were taught basic kicks, punches and defense skills in order to prepare them for various dangerous situations.

Every October, the Alpha Phi Gamma girls hold this event in order to fulfill their philanthropy requirements and to fight against domestic violence.

“[This self defense class] is important and worthy for domestic violence week because we want to prepapre women for this type of situation in case it were to occur,” said Shelly Moy, senior family and child studies major and President of Alpha Phi Gamma. “This event isn’t only limited to women; men can join, too.”

The Neptune Northeast room was filled with participants.

“I really enjoyed the class,” said Leah Mangio, freshman pre-med major. “I also liked how he would tell us certain terms and phrases in English, and then tell us what they were in Korean, it made it that much more interesting.”

For those that didn’t get to participate in the Tae Kwon Do action, there are a number of opportunities on campus to do so.

“As Chief Master of the NIU Tae Kwon Do and Hapkido Korean Martial Arts Club I invite you to partake in the traditional training,” Augsburger said. “[It’s on] Monday nights from 7:45 p.m. to 9:45 p.m.”

The club meets in Anderson Hall 135. There are also self-defense classes available at Kishwaukee College.