Southeast students were given the opportunity to participate in self-defense and situational awareness training at the Student Recreation Center. This training class was hosted by the Legends Martial Arts Club located outside of Jackson, Missouri.
Founded in 2016, Legends Martial Arts Club is family-owned and operated and is affiliated with ATA Martial Arts. Martial arts schools offer training and classes for all ages, from toddlers to parents to seniors.
In collaboration with SEMO, Team Legend came to campus to advocate for Sexual Assault and Alcohol Awareness Month. Team Legend taught skills on how to stay safe. Self-defense, being aware of your surroundings and gaining confidence were the team's main goals during this day's training.
Mr. Johnson expressed the importance of basic skills and knowledge for the average person to acquire regarding self-defense.
“People are being passive instead of proactive, and we want to change that. We're not doing as many of these classes as we want or need. '' Johnson said.
Chief instructor Brandon Johnson shows off his signature martial arts poses.Photo credit: Hannah Schellman
Mr. Johnson talked about the different ways a person can gain confidence and strength within themselves by participating in simple workouts.
Team Legend conducted a quick 20-30 minute class that included simple punching, kicking and defense training to equip participants with basic knowledge on how to protect themselves from attackers.
“Everyone should know how to protect themselves. The more you know, the better. Martial arts knowledge helps,” Johnson said.
The passionate side of Johnson's martial arts background was evident through his dedication to the sport. Johnson encouraged people to use their power, whether they believed they had it or not. Mr. Johnson spoke about his experience as Chief Instructor of Legends Martial Arts.
“I received an email from a boy who wrote a book review about me after I trained in a martial arts class. It inspired me and gave me the motivation to continue teaching these skills. '' Johnson said.
Inspiration is one of the main things that drives Team Legends forward. The team said they want to build belief in themselves in parents and children, especially in today's day and age.
Team Legend member Trent Ordinia, 18, helped run the class and showed off his skills.
Ordinia, a young member, believes that martial arts plays a big role in self-defense.
“Today's world is more dangerous than ever. We must spread self-awareness to those around us, especially college students on campus,” Ordinia said.
Team Legend poses for a photo before self-defense class and situational training.Photo credit: Hannah Schellman
Ms. Ordinia acted out a scenario in which students were walking back to their dorms, showing how the situation could worsen if an assailant approached. This is just one example of why Ordinia feels these trainings are becoming more prevalent on college campuses.
Ordinia herself helped coach the class as a teenager. He highlighted some of his favorite parts of martial arts.
“I love seeing people excited to be there, especially people who are confident and confident in themselves,” Ordinia said.
Brooke Hildebrand Crabbs, assistant professor of leadership and secondary education, attended the class and participated herself.
“There's a reason we held a self-defense class during Alcohol Awareness Month. Alcohol can dull your awareness and how you protect yourself,” Krabs said.
Johnson and Team Legend spoke to participants about being aware of your surroundings, whether alcohol is involved or not. They also provided mental and physical skills that people carried with them.
