UMD's Self Defense Class

Students lined up in UMD’s Oakland B study room on Feb. 28 to learn self-defense moves from UMDPD Sergeant Chris Shovein.

“We’re teaching self-defense for students and staff and whoever wants to come out and try it,” Shovein said. “This is a basic self-defense class where we are looking at relatively simple moves to bolster people’s confidence and ability to fight back if they need to.”

Shovein earned his knowledge from a history in martial arts and police training and is passionate about giving students the confidence to be able to defend themselves.

“We have young people that are getting their education and having a little fun in college and situations can vary, so you can’t always predict what’s going to happen,” Shovein said. “So if you have a little bit of self-awareness and awareness of your surroundings to protect yourself if something does arise, then you are more likely to be successful in getting out of that situation.”

In the class, Shovein had students partner up and practice moves that he demonstrated with UMDPD officer Sam Roseth.  

Students learned techniques to escape wrists grabs, arm grabs, grabs for the lapels, choke holds and bear hugs.

“It’s good to know these things even just for walking from the apartments to the dorms,” UMD freshman Medori Wiklund said. “There were a couple techniques that I learned in this class that I hadn’t in other classes that were really helpful.”

The next two self-defense classes will take place on Monday, March 20 and Tuesday, March 21 at 5:30 p.m. in Griggs E/F conference room. Everyone is welcome to attend.

“Be confident,” Shovein said. “Realize that if somebody tries to make you a victim, it is okay to defend yourself.”

Graphic by Will Madison