Ever get nervous walking around at night alone? There's not a person around, and the lights just aren't working quite well that night for some reason. It can be nerve-racking walking in such a situation. Taking self-defense classes at the Richmond aerobics center might help quell those fears.
Pete Niland, assistant director of University Residence Halls & Apartments has been a facilitator of self-defense classes at UB for about 10 years now. In its latest incarnation there are now two professional trainers teaching class every Friday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
"My daughter started training in karate when she was 10. She's now a second degree black belt," Niland said. "I saw what it did for her positively so I've always wanted to have something like this in place."
The class is split into two sections, boxing and mixed martial arts. The later has more of a base in aikido and teaches simple grappling techniques requiring little effort. The class is taught by Melisa Plinke, 40, Williamsville, and Corey Norman, 23, Buffalo, respectively.
"I can throw a punch correctly now, no one actually ever showed me before, " said Jesse Bell, a sophomore economics and history major. " I hear most fights end up on the ground, so Melisa's class is the first part of the fight and Corey's [class] finishes it. The two instructors are very well qualified."
Plinke has been training boxing since 2001.
"I just took a demonstration one day; then went from training once a week to seven days a week," Plinke said. "I like the more aggressive sports."
Plinke aided with the boxing club on South Campus before she started teaching on Fridays.
Plinke instructs the students in the fundamentals of boxing with a focus on pad work and form. Sparring does not occur in class.
" I'm trying to teach a basic understanding of the sport along with respect for a persons ability," Plinke said. "Even if someone is small doesn't mean they can't throw a good punch."
Norman was invited by Plinke and Niland to teach and is currently an undefeated mixed martial artist. Training since childhood, his father competed in the Olympics in Greco-Roman wresting.
"I started at age six. I've trained in catch wrestling, judo, jujitsu, boxing, muay thai and aikido," Norman said. "I'm trying to connect to the people around me. I heard of the violence that surrounded UB. If I can do anything that can assuage some of the violence, then its good."
Norman hopes these lessons won't be passed on without students learning how to control themselves like he's learned to.
"What I used to do was more violent," Norman said, "When I learned aikido I learned I was able to control myself better."
"What were trying to do is make it fun, give people an alternative to regular conditioning elements, while building confidence with a base in self defense." Niland said.
Niland has watched over enough classes to be able to help new students pick up the basic boxer's form despite not having a background in any martial arts and not being an instructor himself.
"I want to be able to defend myself. I want to be stronger and it's fun," said Emma Peterson, a freshman undecided major.
Peterson saw a sign for the class and began attending them. With no background in martial arts, she wanted an easy way to learn.
It's easier to learn moves from someone else than attempting to learn on your own, according to Peterson.
"I've never heard of any of the students getting into a dangerous situation and using what they've learned from this course to escape, and it's not something I want to hear," Niland said. "We don't want them standing there fighting, my philosophy is that if we can get them out of a jam, it's worth every bit of effort."
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
