Bring a water bottle, athletic shoes and be ready to learn to defend yourself.
The U’s six-week intensive Rape Aggression Defense class is open to any woman, 12 years and older, of any physical level.
This is important, Program Coordinator and University of Utah Police Department Sergeant Lynn Rohland said, because “an attacker can target any woman, regardless of age or physical fitness ability.”
“The class is built on motor skills and muscle memory,” Rohland said.
The class focuses on how to defend against attackers, but also highlights the aspects of reducing personal risks. A portion of the class is spent talking about general safety and awareness.
The class was implemented last year after Rohland raised money to purchase the necessary equipment. The U Safety Committee also helped fund the program.
Equipment includes helmets and boxing gloves for the students and full body suits for the instructors-necessary for the simulation test at the end of class. The test allows students to practice defending themselves against potential attackers.
Due to the popularity of the class and an increase of wear and tear on the equipment, the class fee of $25 is put directly toward the purchase of new gear. Instructors, who are also U police officers, volunteer their personal time to teach the class.
To become instructors, the officers had to attend an intensive course taught by the Brigham Young University Police Department.
“Counting myself, there are eight [instructors],” Rohland said. “Each class session focuses on different techniques and moves, so each instructor teaches different things at different times.”
The $25 fee is a lifetime enrollment fee, so if a student ever feels the need to polish her skills, she can join the class again for free.
“One of the most important things about self-defense is practicing,” Rohland said.
The fee also includes a self defense book for each student that highlights the techniques taught in class.
“We want to make it affordable to the U community because it is a very important class,” Rohland said.
The police department is currently the only one in the Salt Lake area to offer the class.
Classes are currently being held, and the next session begins Oct. 1 and ends Nov. 5. It is held every Wednesday from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Huntsman Center, which donates space in its lounge area.
Rohland stresses signing up early, as the classes are limited to 16 students and more than 70 women were on the waiting list for the summer class.
To sign up, call 585-COPS.