With the increase in crime in the campus vicinity, students in North Avenue were provided the opportunity to learn some self-defense techniques. Five instructors from Atlanta Judo Midtown came to North Ave's Rambin' Wreck Room and taught their Haganah class of self-defense. Each instructor had at least one black belt, with one being an active Lt. Colonel in the Army. "The session was designed to teach residents the best ways to avoid dangerous situations, and if they find themselves in one, how to protect themselves," explained North Ave Assistant Director Keith Meadows.

Beginning with a warm-up and short tutorial on each self-defense technique and the instructors paired up to practice the techniques on people during a simulated attack. Some techniques demonstrated include how to escape from both a rear attack and a choke hold, and for people with long hair, how to escape when someone grabs you by the hair. After these demonstrations, residents partnered to practice the techniques. Resident Assistant Sneha Patel commented, "The foremost tip presented and reiterated throughout the session was that you must protect yourself before attacking back and the best way to escape attacks is to avoid making yourself vulnerable. One of my residents said she heard this loud and clear!"

Other tips were given to participants to be alert for, including:
• Never get into a car, even if being forced
• Walk with your head up
• Pay attention to your surroundings
• Travel in groups of 3-6

"Remember, the best defense is to avoid dangerous situations," stated lead instructor Denis Scheib. The North Ave team would like to especially thank Atlanta Judo Midtown and their instructors Denis Scheib, Peggy Gunning, Stan Maddox, Kate Wagner, Misha Novitzky, and Lt. Col. Brock Gaston. For those interested in their Haganah classes, visit their website at www.atlantajudomidtown.com.

Lead instructor Denis Scheid held the classes attention.

Instructors demonstrated each self-defense technique.

Participants were broken into groups for training.

The session allowed for practicing the techniques with expert guidance.