Elizabeth Smart Foundation Offering Self Defenses Classes at SUU

Southern Utah University has joined with the Elizabeth Smart Foundation to offer self defense classes to students enrolled at SUU. The one credit elective class was offered this fall on campus, and is filled up for the current term. Plans are to offer the course during the fall and spring semesters. The curriculum was designed by picking techniques and skills from a variety of disciplines including Krav Maga, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Muay Thai. All the techniques were selected based on the ability to teach individuals the best chance or advantage to stop a potential threat or to escape an attack. Throughout their training, students learn about situational awareness, consent and defense techniques, such as break falls, grip breaks, clinch entries and mount escapes. Twenty years ago, Elizabeth Smart was abducted from her home and endured months of sexual abuse at the hands of her captors.