"Self-Defense Seminar, Spring 2005" --  By Mr. Jason Warner, 5th Gup

  On Tuesday, January 25 and Thursday, January 27, the Penn State Martial Arts Group held a free self-defense seminar for any who wanted to attend. This seminar was conceived by Audra Merfeld a 1st degree black belt and member of the Penn State Martial Arts Group. Both nights followed the same general pattern with Thursday night delving into more advanced techniques that expanded upon what repeat attendees had learned on Tuesday. Each session started with a discussion of the importance and effectiveness of a person’s voice in self-defense. This was followed by practicing the use of voice which led into the introduction of physical self-defense techniques. Between both nights various techniques for defending against physical attacks were taught including knee strikes/spikes, elbow strikes, and grab releases.

  The seminar also consisted of speakers that touched on various subjects relating to self-defense. On both nights, Scott Merrill, a local law enforcement official, discussed the legal aspects of self–defense. His talk included the legal definition of self-defense and what it means, as well as an explanation of the amount of force allowed to be used in self-defense defined by law. On Thursday night, two extra speakers were present to speak about two different subjects. Annabelle Smith, a registered nurse, spoke briefly about bloodborne diseases and Dr. Joyce Illfelder-Kaye, Associate director of the Center for Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS), informed the participants about counseling they can receive if they should be victim of an attack. Both seminars closed with a review of the night’s activities and closing words from Michael Kaye, 5th degree Master and instructor of the Penn State Martial Arts Group.
Respectfully submitted,
Jason Warner
5th Gup