By Jamie Corpuz
Sun managing editor
What began as a high school project, “Just Yell Fire,” the 45 minute self-defense and rape prevention video has become an international industry.
A recipient of the CNN Heroes award, Dallas Jessop, along with martial arts instructor Chad Von Dette, co-created the program in hopes to simplify “tips and techniques that help make size and strength irrelevant in case of an attack.”
In light of the recent kidnapping and rape of a female student from the Edinger parking lot here at Golden West College, “Just Yell Fire” visited GWC on April 22 in efforts to increase awareness and inform the community on what they can do to defend themselves in case of an attack.
“Eyes, ears, groin, and bite.” Chad Von Dette states that in the event of an assault these defense targets should come as naturally to you as “Stop, Drop, and Roll.”
On average every two minutes in the United States someone is raped or molested and 91 percent of kidnap victims are dead within the first 24hours, so defending yourself and fighting back can increase your chances of survival.
After the video portion of the presentation, Von Dette and his assistant instructors Nilda Patiño de Berndt and Ernestina Lopez, who work for the Huntington Beach and Placentia Police Departments respectively, showed attendees simple self-defense tricks.
Gouging and jabbing at the eyes of an assailant or tearing at their ears and face with your nails can cause acute and immediate pain in areas that are sensitive to everyone.
These techniques are not complicated martial arts moves teaching you to dominate an oncoming aggressor, but are uncomplicated methods of defense based off instinctual reactions that can give you an opportunity to run and save yourself.
Public Safety Supervisor Brent Theobald has plans to put himself and several other public safety officers here on campus through the “Just Yell Fire” instructional training program, in order to host a self defense seminar here on campus at least every semester in the future.
The Public Safety Office stresses how important it is to stay alert when walking alone on campus and to walk in groups when possible. They also offer escort services to anyone who feels it is necessary to their safety.
“Just Yell Fire” is a non-profit organization that travels all over the United States educating people on how to defend themselves using practical techniques. They also stream a self-defense how-to video and accept donations on their website www.justyellfire.com. They also have traveled to India to help inform young girls at risk of sex trafficking.
Safety and assault prevention tips:
• Keep the Public Safety Office on your speed dial (714)895-8924
• Take the safest route to your destination and walk in groups when you can.
• When walking to your car, have your keys and phone already in hand. Digging around in your purse or pockets makes you an easy target.
• Do NOT talk on the phone when walking alone to your car. It is a popular myth that this deters predators; it is exactly the opposite. It is better to be alert and prepared to defend yourself, or to be able call the Public Safety office or 9-1-1.
• Jabbing at eyes, slapping at ears and damaging the ear drum, kneeing or slapping at the groin, and biting at an attackers face, neck, arms, or thighs as long and hard as you can could save your life.
• Keep a minimum five-foot safety radius between you and strangers.
• Do not walk around with both headphones in your ears, BE AWARE OF YOUR SURROUNDINGS.
