Hillsdale College’s women’s self-defense course prepares women to handle real-world threats through a blend of martial arts styles such as Taekwondo and Krav Maga, according to Becky Waters, lecturer in sports studies.

“I wanted to help the community girls learn how to defend themselves no matter what. However they are attacked or thrown to the ground, I want them to feel confident that they can protect themselves,” Waters said.

Waters said she is a second-degree black belt in Taekwondo and highly trained in Krav Maga.

“When you know you’re created with potential for greatness, you want to be able to defend it,” she said. 

In training, Waters incorporates techniques that are based on conflict scenarios and responses with the addition of principles and theories. According to Waters, the basic class teaches  women practical skills. The advanced class challenges participants with situations where nothing works perfectly, forcing them to adapt from one move to the next.  

A key component of her teaching is adaptation, which Waters said allows students to effectively defend themselves regardless of size or muscle strength and adequately level the playing field of combat.

For those hesitant to join, Waters said the environment is comfortable and easy. 

“We have fun — who doesn’t like to be giddy and hit things all the time?” she said. 

Sophomore Isabelle Ellis took the class last semester and said the class has heightened her awareness. 

“Since taking this class, I’m much more aware of my surroundings,” she said. “We see each other around campus, and there’s always that smile of recognition—like, ‘Hey, I was choking you the other day.’”

Emily Schutte, a junior, also took the course last semester. 

“I was out in Alaska by myself a lot, and I realized it would have been really nice to know how to defend myself,” she said. “You don’t always know where you’re going to end up, so I wanted to know I could handle myself in the worst-case scenario.”

Schutte said she appreciated Waters’ instruction and teaching method. 

“Miss Becky Waters is so kind-hearted,” Schutte said. “She will hold us to our best, but she’s also very welcoming and encouraging.”

Sophomore Malina Ladzinski said Waters is like a mother to the group.

“She teaches us to not be afraid, to go all out and show that we’re strong,” Ladzinski said.

Ladzinski said Waters emphasized both the physical and mental aspect of self defense, training  girls to overcome their introverted or shy personalities. 

“The attacker doesn’t care if you’re introverted or not; he’s going after you, so you need to learn life-saving skills,” Ladzinski said.

Senior Alex Schrauben highlighted the false sense of security many women have about their environment. 

“There’s definitely a perception at Hillsdale that we’re totally safe all the time, but that’s not true,” she said, citing the Joe Bruneau incident from last year.

Sophomore Catherine McCartney said she has learned to overcome initial fear and train her defense instincts. 

“The most important thing Coach Becky has taught is how not to let the freeze or flight response take over but to resort to fight,” McCartney said. 

She praised the way Waters breaks down fundamental self-defense techniques, helping the women feel prepared for potential real-life threats. 

“As things get more unsafe out there, it’s more important for us, as girls, to know how to fight,” McCartney said.

The sense of camaraderie within the class extends even further, according to sophomore Ellery Toman. 

“Coach Becky doesn’t let us make things awkward,” Toman said, who has enjoyed practicing her favorite move — a jump kick to the bottom of the chin. 

Waters views teaching self-defense as both a privilege and a mission. 

“I’ve been given the opportunity through the college to share my passion for practical self-defense,” she said. “At the core of my classes, I share my Christian convictions that God values us, and we’re created by Him for greatness. We should all learn the self-respect to protect ourselves.”

Waters said martial arts teach both character and life skills. 

“This program isn’t to compete but to supplement what’s already in place,” Waters said. “Being able to relate to women makes it more effective. And we have fun.”