LSUPD holds equalizer self-defense classes to teach students, faculty and staff practical self-defense techniques and how to remain vigilant.
Lt. Kim Bass has been with LSUPD since 2016 and has been an instructor for the equalizer self-defense classes since July of 2017. She emphasizes that self-defense is something everyone is capable of doing.
“A lot of times people are scared or nervous when they hear self-defense because they think it’s this big, bad or impossible and that they can’t do it,” Bass said. “Everybody is able to defend themselves to an extent.”
The class itself is offered in four different sessions, with each session running about three hours. The class is separated by men and women, with the classes for women typically instructed by a woman. Each class has around 10 to 25 students.
“It’s not anything complicated. We can keep the class simple and fun,” Bass said. “If someone is having difficulty with technique, we are able to adjust the class to help more one-on-one.”
LSUPD hosts these classes in the UREC, but students or residential assistants can request the class be held in the activity room of their campus dorms.
Bass explained that if students do not feel comfortable and do not want to participate in the techniques, they can just observe the class.
She wants students to know they have the right to defend themselves, and sometimes that means verbal defense, not physical action.
“If you feel like you are threatened verbally or physically, you have the right to defend yourself,” Bass said. “It’s not just physical. It’s also the verbal way to tell people ‘no’ or ‘stay back’ or ‘don’t come near me’ or anything like that.”
LSUPD holds equalizer classes throughout the year. Students, faculty and staff can sign up for a class by filling out a form or calling LSUPD at (225)-578-3231.
