AWS holds self defense class
Samantha Blehm
The Communicator

Over the last two years, more than 787,000 women were victims of a rape or sexual assault, according to a national crime victimization survey, of these assaults only 26 percent were reported to law enforcement officials.

1 in 6 women and 1 in 33 men, will be sexually assaulted in their lifetime, according to Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network (RAINN). RAINN also estimates college students are four times more likely to be sexually assaulted.

On Nov. 5 at 11:30 a.m., in the SUB lounge, the student government put on a self defense course for all students and faculty

“Statistics point to women of college age being victims to assault,” said Sheena Thompson, Associative Women’s President. “So every year the campus holds something involving self defense.”

November was made National Security month by the student government, with each week pertaining to a different means of security.

The “crash” course was lead by Susan Beeman, the instructor for the self defense course. Beeman is from Cheney, and began self defense after her husband, who is in law enforcement, introduced it to her.

Beeman teaches women and men the simple “learn and do”
format base on effective and efficient techniques from a Filipino martial art. This is low impact and suitable for all ages, sizes and fitness levels.

“You don’t have to be strong,” said Beeman. “It’s practical and easy to comprehend.”

The event began with the presentation of the four possible responses to an attack. Avoidance, reaction, outside intervention and paralysis, which all revolved around listening to intuition.

“Intuition is knowing without knowing why, knowing even when you can’t see the evidence,” Beeman said.

Some simple tasks can be done to lower the risk of being assaulted, lock auto doors, stay alert, know where the exits are and also, be alert when on the phone, put your back against a wall while on the phone, making you aware of your surroundings.

Beeman let those who attended know that the goal is to escape not domination over your assailant.

“See what’s coming at you,” said Beeman. “We have the right to be very angry, but just make good choices.”

The easiest way to escape is with a simple reaction. Verbal queues, such as, a “no” with putting your hand up. This vocalization is recognized in almost every language and gets the point made, it is all about body language and attitude.

But if vocal commands do not make the assailant back down and keep approaching, Beeman showed the audience a few moves that will help victims escape from their predator.

If the predator grabs your wrist, just make a small circle against the thumb. And when the thumb is on the bottom of your wrist, rotate backwards for your escape.

Then if you are in a choke hold, turn toward the predators elbow, drop chin, dig fingers into elbow and turn towards elbow.

Beeman also told of the “4-4-4 system,” which is the four strikes, four targets and four weapons.

The strikes were, the soup can (reaching for the eyes), upward palm strike, hammer fist (hitting with the flat part of the hand) and the open palm, which is best if using the bottom of your hand.

The targets are the eyes, throat, nose and under the chin.

“We often believe the groin is the best place to strike on a male,” said Beeman. “But they are programmed to protect that so go for something different giving you more of a chance.”

The four weapons being, empty hand, small impact weapons (highlighters, pen, kubotan, etc.), piercing weapons (pen, pencil, also including fire arms) and edged weapons, which are the last options.

Beeman said if an attack ever happens make sure you know what you are doing. Decide in advance, involve others, such as, family and spouse, and take action. Learn a skill, establish a habit and make a plan.

“We have the right to be very angry,” said Beeman. “Bad guys don’t know what to do, they are undisciplined.”

To contact Beeman, either email her at susan@cssdwashington.com or go to her website at www.cssdwashington.com.

Beeman will be having a Common Sense Self Defense class for women on Saturday, Dec. 6, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Curves. Located on 1867 1st st. in Cheney. The cost is $35 and includes class handouts. Additional members of the same family for $20 each.

You can contact the writer at staffwriter@spokanefalls.edu