by Bekah Ervin

news editor

Last week, many Millsaps College students gathered in the Leggett Living Room to learn self-defense tactics. Millsaps’ AyeIIAye program sponsored the class, which took place April 5. The class was focused on basic defense skills and the philosophy of self-defense.

Sifu Jeremy Gordon taught the class, as a program through his organization, Boxers Rebellion, which is based here in Jackson. Boxers Rebellion often works with college students to teach young people about martial arts and how to defend themselves in compromising situations. With April being Sexual Assault Awareness Month, it was an exceptional time to educate about self-defense.

Claire Meyer, freshman, participated in the Tuesday night class. She said, “I thought that the self-defense class was extremely informative. Not only did I get to learn many defense and escape tactics, but I also got more information about keeping myself safe in general.”

Sophomore Kaitlyn Welch also attended the class, saying she wanted to learn to defend herself from an attacker if she ever needed to. “It could happen to anybody,” Welch said. “It’s nice to know that you can use your own body to defend yourself and not have it be a weakness.” Welch continues to take the course, which is part of Millsaps’ Community Enrichment Series. “It’s really fun, but also incredibly empowering. It is such a cool way to spend my Wednesday evenings until the semester is over.”

Welch shared her thoughts about this program in relation to the Millsaps Greek community. “I actually took this class with my [sorority] little sister. It was a great way for us to bond and feel empowered,” she said. “I wish it could be offered to Greek women as a whole. It would bond us as Greek organizations to be empowered in such a way.”

The course continues through June 8 and is held on Wednesday evenings from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. To find out when the next self-defense enrichment class might be offered, email Lori Genous at genoula@millsaps.edu or visit her during office hours on the third floor of the Leggett Center.