Northwestern’s Social Workers Association of Tomorrow Play Host to “Self-Defense Night”

November 29, 2018

The Northwestern Oklahoma State University chapter of the Social Workers Association of Tomorrow (SWAT) organization recently played host to a “Self-Defense Night” for Northwestern students. The events took place at and were sponsored by RYSE Academy of Mixed Martial Arts in Woodward and Family Martial Arts in Enid.

These two events allowed various students an opportunity to begin to develop basic self-defense techniques.

Students from Northwestern Oklahoma State University’s Enid campus participated in the Social Workers Association of Tomorrow (SWAT) “Self-Defense Night” at the Family Martial Arts in Enid to learn more about self-defense techniques.

Students from Northwestern Oklahoma State University’s Enid campus participated in the Social Workers Association of Tomorrow (SWAT) “Self-Defense Night” at the Family Martial Arts in Enid to learn more about self-defense techniques. Taking part in the event are (left to right) Rhema Abercrombie, Denise Tyrell, Isabella Abercrombie, Family Martial Arts instructor Alex Evers, SWAT sponsor Jennifer Pribble, Madeline Turner, Ashley Neal and Quin Newman.

“Allowing students to be introduced to self-defense and understanding the importance of knowing how to protect themselves in the field is very important,” Jennifer Pribble, SWAT sponsor and director of social work field education, said. “Empowering students to develop these skills will hopefully assist them in the future, if or when they are ever needed.”

Pribble said in professions such as social work, responding to clients exhibiting high levels of emotion and reacting in potentially threatening situations are vital aspects of the job.

“The department of social work is always proud of SWAT as they never fail in cultivating experiences that focus on professional development or address community and campus needs,” Dr. Kylene Rehder, chair of the department of social work, said. 

Social work students identified that self-protection education allows them to feel more confident and capable in the field.

Students from Northwestern Oklahoma State University’s Woodward campus participated in the Social Workers Association of Tomorrow (SWAT) “Self-Defense Night” at the RYSE Academy of Mixed Martial Arts in Woodward to learn more about self-defense techniques.

Students from Northwestern Oklahoma State University’s Woodward campus participated in the Social Workers Association of Tomorrow (SWAT) “Self-Defense Night” at the RYSE Academy of Mixed Martial Arts in Woodward to learn more about self-defense techniques. Taking part in the event are (Left to Right) SWAT sponsor Jennifer Pribble, Tyann Purvis, Reba Finley, Chanel Martin, Katelyn Van Vickle, Alicia James, Marcy Rael, Jennifer Ruppel, Angelica Jaquez and RYSE MMA instructor Michael Wickware.

“In today’s world, going into the field of social work can be quite intimidating,” Chanel Martin, SWAT president, said. “Sometimes we have to put ourselves in unpredictable situations, for the betterment and best interest of our clients. Surviving most life and death situations often depends on a person's ability to successfully react in dangerous situations. Going to the self-defense class was such an amazing experience. We were able to learn about the different types of violence that most people face and also develop techniques on how to defend ourselves accordingly. Thank you RYSE MMA and Family Martial Arts for such a fun, educating and empowering class.”

To learn more about self-defense classes in the Woodward and Enid areas contact RYSE Academy of Mixed Martial Arts at (580) 254-2144 or Family Martial Arts at (580) 297-5033.

-NW-

CONTACT FOR RELEASE

Erin Davis, University Relations Specialist

eedavis@nwosu.edu; 580-327-8480



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