Self defense class

Jenae Marshall, News Writer

Self defense helps prepare people for unexpected situations and also helps develop mental and physical health. An optional three-hour class was held for young women at Xavier High School on April 12. Cedar Rapids Police Officer Smaby led the class. The first two hours of the class consisted of an educational presentation. Women learned how to identify different situations and scams and how to be aware of their surroundings. During the last hour they participated in hands-on activities and learned how to implement self defense skills.

“The class gives women knowledge to protect themselves, and knowledge is power,” Xavier nurse Kris Naeve said.

In the past, mothers of Xavier students have taken charge of putting together these defense classes, but Naeve thinks it is something parents should not have to worry about. One of the 14 Xavier students who participated in this class was junior Emily O’Rourke. O’Rourke thinks everyone should be able to defend themselves and wanted to have defense skills as well. “Women are assaulted and harmed every day and it is important to be prepared in case this happens to you,” O’Rourke said.

This class is something O’Rourke thinks should be open to everyone because everyone needs to learn how to defend themselves, not just women.

“It frustrates me when people belittle the class saying ‘it won’t do you any good’ or ‘it’s pointless and won’t change anything,’ because it definitely changes everything,” O’Rourke said. “The little bit of information you get could save your life.”

The class aimed to teach  students about the importance of being aware of their surroundings.

Jenae Marshall

News Writer