UNA’s police department will be teaching students how to defend themselves from an attacker in an upcoming class.
“This class is designed for all students and community members who are interested in learning effective self-defense techniques to help protect themselves in real-life situations,” UNAPD Officer Shequanda Jenkins said.
The class will be held on the third floor of the Student Recreation Center this Thursday, Aug. 28, from 5-6 p.m.
“It’s important for everybody to have techniques that they can use to protect themselves,” Jenkins, who has been an instructor of the class for the past three years, said.
Officer Jenkins has taught self-defense classes on campus at UNA for the last five years. She said that in her time teaching the classes, she has added different techniques and approaches to improve the lessons.
Jenkins also believes that it is important for people to be aware of their surroundings, as that can help them avoid physical confrontations before they even begin.
The techniques taught in the class are important for all people to know, no matter their physical size or strength, according to Jenkins.
“I think it’s good for anybody to know,” said Jenkins. “What if you have a situation of human trafficking? If three people try to jump out of a van and snatch you, it doesn’t matter if you’re male or female. Three on one, you might lose.”
Jenkins has been with the UNAPD force for several years, during which her responsibilities have included crime prevention and community outreach.
“I’ve been doing self-defense for over 20 years, so [this event] is collectively all the things I’ve learned in 20 years that don’t have to use force-on-force to work,” said Jenkins.
