The Red and Black

Issue date: 4/29/08 Section: News

Media Credit: COURTESY UGA ROTC Anthony Caucci, a 2007 University alumnus from Tifton, attacks University ROTC student during the SAFE self-defense training course Saturday at the Athens Black Belt Academy. [Click to enlarge]

A few more women on campus know the importance of being safe, and they're thankful for it.

Paige Pipes, a freshman from Atlanta, said she feels more confident taking a self-defense class Saturday after being attacked last semester at Spec Towns Track.

"Just because someone is bigger than you doesn't mean you shouldn't try to do anything," she said. "I understand the importance of defending myself."

Pipes and Christen Devaney, a freshman from Monroe, are University ROTC members who organized a group to take the self-defense class for female cadets and civilians called SAFE - Sex Assault Fundamental Escapes.

Due to reports of women being abducted and assaulted in Athens, Major Kevin Fracassa, assistant professor of military science and executive officer of infantry for Army ROTC, asked the two to facilitate the program primarily for women.

The two contacted Randy McElwee, retired University professor of military science, who runs self-defense classes at Athens Black Belt Academy. McElwee is a retired master sergeant and special forces combat veteran who teaches adult and children's martial arts, especially jiu-jitsu.

"We spent two hours last weekend learning practical escapes for any sort of attack because several girls in the class had been attacked previously," Pipes said. "We reenacted the exact situations and learned how to get out of it if we were put in the same position again."

Pipes said a 200-pound fireman attacked her with a realistic choking hold.

"I was able to get out of it like I couldn't last semester," she said.

McElwee offered the course to the females for free and offers courses to the public every week.

"It really does boost your confidence," Devaney said. "In one position the fireman in the suit sits on top of you and you have to flip him over."

Devaney said working with McElwee makes a difference.

"It's really practical, not like Tae Kwon Do, and really helps you to realistically get out of tough situations," she said. "He really does this for us - to better people - and is really sensitive to females."

McElwee will offer self-defense training this summer for women.

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