Syllabus for Self Defense

INSTRUCTOR: Victor M. Cushing (see bottom of page for contact information)

COURSE DESCRIPTION:  Instruction in basic self defense techniques:  evasion, blocking, striking, kicking, joint locks, breakaways, throws, trips, chokes, pins, pressure points, ground fighting, and self-defense situations including defense versus simulated and real weapons.

CLASS MEETING: Two 50-minute periods twice per week for 1-hour credit for day classes and One 110 minute period once per week for night classes.

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

A.  To learn the how to defend yourself in potentially violent situations.

All other objectives B - E are to be considered as secondary to this objective.

B.  To learn the basics of offensive/defensive 

     techniques.

C.  To develop in the students a positive attitude toward

     awareness/prevention                                                 

D. To make the students aware of various self-defense

     techniques while at the same time stressing the

     Risks in any physical conflict.

E.      To inform the students of the potential legal

      ramifications of engaging in physical conflict.

ATTENDANCE:

Day Class Students are allowed a maximum of two (2) absences .  Upon a third absence you will EITHER

1.  Receive an unsatisfactory grade OR

2.  Follow University procedures for withdrawing.

If you are unable to attend class for any reason such as illness, family emergency or any other usually reasonable event,  the absence will still count.  If the instructor agrees an exception may be made, however no promise is being made that you will be given one.

The reason for this strict policy is simple, you can’t meet the requirements of this course, if you aren’t here.  Each class adds new material and is needed to improve your skills.

Unlike academic courses, there is no way to make up missed classes by studying harder since you need a trained instructor to learn this material.

GRADING:

Satisfactory or Unsatisfactory Grade will be based on the following

1.  Understanding and Demonstration of Basic Self

     Defense Skills

2.  Cooperation and respect given to your instructor and

     partners.

3.  Adherence to safety rules for the prevention of injury

     to anyone.

4.  Active participation in class exercises.

EQUIPMENT:

A uniform is required for this class.  The fee for the uniform is $40.00. 

The reasons that a Uniform is required (1) So no damage is done to your regular clothing (2) To make clear that this class is different than many others and to get you to shift gears mentally when you are here.

You must wear a groin protector whether you are male of female.The fee for a protector is $15.00.  If you own a suitable white or natural color standard judo uniform and/or protector you will not have to buy another.

The reason you need a groin protector is so that we can practice tecnhiques that incude striking the groin and not get hurt.  Also then we do not have to make believe as we practice defending ourselves.

Please fill out a Uniform and Protector Order Form and turn it in along with payment by the third class of semester for  day classes and second class of the semester  for evening classes

Payment for Uniforms must be cash, money order,certified check, that is no personal checks!

.   

Until your uniform arrives you may use Sweat Clothing, and/or loose fitting sturdy garments with long sleeves and long pants that can stand to be pulled on for throws or grappling.  If you wear clothing that is easily torn/expensive, you are assuming the risk of damage to it.

Generally you will execute techniques bare foot unless instructed to wear shoes in which case they must be athletic shoes (with no hard or leather soles).   During class you must remove jewelry, watches, rings (except for smooth bands such as wedding bands). No long dangling earrings, please. It is recommended, but not required that if you wear glasses, you secure them with a headband.

TEXTBOOK: None is required for this course.

WRITTEN ASSIGNMENT: A short paper (2 pages)  "What self-defense means to me" is due the last Monday of the semester.

Email:  cushingv2@scranton.edu

Phone:  570-842-1558