Baruch College’s Women Empowered for Success club teamed up with the SEEK program to hold a self-defense class, “Try Me,” for students on Dec. 5. 

This event was inspired by the recent rape and murder of 19-year-old University of Illinois Chicago College student, Ruth George, who was followed into a garage on campus and put into a chokehold by ex-convict, Donald Thurman. 

This attack, along with a recent string of assaults and kidnappings in the United States sparked both of the organizations to hold the self-defense class.

“There have been many unfortunate events where women have been unable to protect themselves against attackers and predators. WES wants to give you the knowledge and power to fight back against danger,” event fliers posted online said.

Most attendees heard of the event from WES’s Instagram page. 

Judo instructors David Tithet and Julius Sanders showed students some easy but effective moves that rely not on brute force but on technique. 

Students practiced their sidekicks and were taught some of the most vulnerable spots to target on the body, such as the solar plexus and shin. 

Sanders, who was recovering from a stroke, helped students perfect their moves. 

“When someone grabs you, no matter the strength, you can escape their grasp by turning your wrist inwards and towards you,” he stated.

The goal of the event is “to show our members and all the students and staff at Baruch that we care about the safety of the women who attend this college,” according to Nicole Aviles, the president of WES.

Because group organizers were anticipating student physical activity, yogurt, fruit and granola were served, instead of heavier foods. 

Rape whistles were handed out to attendees, which might come in handy in an otherwise dangerous situation. 

Open discussions about violence against women and risk reduction were encouraged throughout the event. 

“Don’t use both headphones when you’re walking alone at night,” Aviles suggested. 

Additional vigilance and tips to stay alert while walking alone at night were shared. 

“It’s dangerous to be a girl because we’re pretty and guys want to follow and chase us. Knowing judo is confidence,” aspiring club member and freshman attendee Dildora Satimoua said. 

Satimoua has been practicing martial arts for seven years and she was seen helping girls practice their moves. 

In the end, five tickets for self-defense classes in Bushwick were raffled. 

“Being a woman means not being able to trust anyone right off the bat, so having these techniques up your sleeve is important. You gain power with the knowledge of these techniques,” Aviles said in an intervew with The Ticker.

The instructors added that they will try to hold more self-defense courses and reserve a bigger room next time.