Hidden among WKU’s extensive course catalog is Physical Education (PE) 101: Self Defense. James Wright, an adjunct professor in the School of Kinesiology, Recreation and Sport teaches the class on Tuesdays and Thursdays with the hopes of students learning to defend themselves against assailants.
Wright said this class can be beneficial to students. The class focuses not only on the physical aspects but also on the prevention and psychological aspects, such as how to prevent situations or diffuse situations before they get physical.
While the class benefits students by teaching them to protect themselves, it also gives them confidence, Wright said. If a situation were to become physical, students would feel more certain in their ability to handle themselves which is vital in a self-defense scenario.
During class on Thursday, Feb. 6th, Wright spent the first ten minutes leading students in various conditioning and stretches. This prepares them for the upcoming exercise and includes butterfly stretches, sitting toe touches and wrist stretches.
“It helps them with their flexibility, helps them with their balance, helps them with their strength and is just generally good,” Wright said.
Wright said he also teaches a karate course within the School of Kinesiology, Recreation, and Sport. Because of his love for athleticism, Wright teaches his classes wearing a karate gi, the Japanese word for uniform.
As a former WKU student, Wright said he found his love for exercise and defense from his former karate professor, sensei Keith Rigdon. Wright said Rigdon also got him into teaching part-time at the university. Wright has been teaching athletic courses since around 2005 and has earned three black belts in karate, Taekwondo, and jujitsu.
Even though the class is about self-defense, during class on Feb. 6 he incorporated karate-like practices such as bowing to show respect. Wright said he also teaches his students the Shaolin Creed which emphasizes peace and honor.
During class on Feb. 6th, students review their moves for an upcoming test. Students pair up and practice moves with each other, as Professor Wright circulates the room ready to answer questions and help at a moment’s notice.
The self-defense moves practiced during class on Feb. 6th focused on weak points and pressure points within the body. Senior Lindze Lunn and Rowan Finley, both from Spring Hill, Tennessee, demonstrated a “rear bear hug” attack where Lunn envelopes Finley in a “hug” from behind the shoulders. Finley escapes the move by making two steps: leaning down and hitting each knee to throw Lunn off-balance, then throwing her arms off and running.
Wright said students are taught that each move only takes two steps to make the move as quick and effective as possible.
“I was very intimidated when I first got into this class because I didn’t know anything, but our instructor is very welcoming and also very encouraging,” Lunn said.
Lunn said she had no experience in defense training but participated in color guard during high school. She said she enrolled in the course because she felt it would be beneficial for her.
“I’m short, so I want to be able to protect myself. I’ve never really felt super strong physically,” Lunn said. “We do conditioning, and it’s not very intense, but it is a workout.”
Finley said he was an orange belt in Krav Maga during his high school years.
“It’s been kind of interesting comparing my past experience with a new style,” Finley said.
Finley said he enrolled in the course to get back into athletics.
“It actually forces me to work out again, even if it’s in a small capacity,” Finley said.
Finley said his favorite thing about the class is the rapport students have with each other.
“In some ways, you feel silly, Finley said. “But instead of making it weird, we just make it fun for everyone.”
Although Finley has not used any of the self-defense moves in real life, he said there are more practical aspects he uses. He said the class teaches students how to fall without hurting themselves and disperse their energy correctly.
“This is stuff that could save your life potentially,” Finley said. “I think it should be kind of a standard for people to learn this.”
