Westridge Tenth Graders Build Confidence Through Self-Defense in Human Development Program

Westridge School’s 10th grade class stepped out of their comfort zones as they learned the fundamentals of self-defense! The training—involving six workshops with Impact Personal Safety’s self-defense coaches—is part of the Westridge Human Development (HD) program, which helps support students through Upper School and life beyond Westridge.

To kick off the unit, the 10th graders were introduced to the concept of fear, how to cope with it, and how to take action when needed. They also read “The Gift of Fear” by Gavin de Becker to illustrate how fear can be a useful tool and to prepare for self-defense rotations. In the first workshop held on Wednesday, students practiced self-defense techniques and strategies, including situational awareness, defensive posture, asserting body language, and recognizing the difference between pre-contact indicators and biases. Though uncomfortable at times for some, the workshop aims to equip students with the knowledge of how to stand up for themselves as they move forward in life. As seniors, they will revisit these self-defense tactics before graduating.

“We live in a world where girls and other minorities are more likely to be victimized. Part of remedying that is rewriting the culture, but part of it is also understanding the reality and preparing girls and female-presenting people with skills to help empower them, to either get out of dangerous situations or stand their ground if that’s not an option,” remarked HD Coordinator Emily Mukai.

Westridge School, 324 Madeline Drive, Pasadena, (626) 799-1053 ext. 200 or visit www.westridge.org.