Leisure Services and TTU partner for women’s self-defense class
COOKEVILLE – A partnership between the City of Cookeville Department of Leisure Services and Tennessee Tech University allows TTU students to take Self-Defense for Women at the Cane Creek Recreation Center.
Eleven students are enrolled in the course, which began in January for the spring semester.
“In this program, participants learn the basic principles of self-defense to take control of their lives and safety by learning mental and physical preparedness,” said instructor Nikki Desch, who teaches ongoing classes for Leisure Services and TTU. “Instruction is conducted in a friendly, self-paced learning environment.”
Desch teaches “way-of-the-fist methods,” the basis of several martial arts systems. The course is oriented toward students who want an in-depth study of close-quarter defensive tactics.
Since the partnership began in 2010, several accredited physical education courses, including karate and tai chi, have been offered at the Cane Creek Recreation Center for TTU students.
In addition to the TTU course, Cookeville Leisure Services is offering a one-day Self Defense class that is open to the community (ages 16 and up) March 31 from 10-11:30 a.m. at the Cane Creek Recreation Center. The cost is $15. To register, call 931-526-7393 or visit www.cookeville-tn.gov/ls/
PHOTO CUTLINES:
1. Instructor Nikki Desch, left, demonstrates a self-defense maneuver to Tennessee Tech University student Kaitlyn Harvey.
2. Tennessee Tech University students Sarah Franklin, right, and Erin Johnson, center, watch as instructor Nikki Desch demonstrates self-defense moves.
3. Instructor Nikki Desch discusses safety issues with a group of Tennessee Tech University students enrolled in a Self-Defense for Women course held at Cane Creek Recreation Center through a partnership between Cookeville Leisure Services and TTU.
