The University of Utah Department of Public Safety is offering a five-week self-defense course this fall designed to give participants skills that can help them recognize potentially dangerous situations, establish boundaries and feel more prepared to respond if a situation becomes unsafe.
Offered in partnership with The Elizabeth Smart Foundation, begins Sept. 10. Classes will be held Thursdays from 6 to 8 p.m. through Oct. 8 at the Department of Public Safety, 1658 E. 500 South in Salt Lake City.
The course is rooted in preparation, not fear. While responsibility for harmful behavior always rests with those who choose to commit it, the course teaches practical techniques participants can use to protect themselves, create space and escape a dangerous situation.
Organizers say the program is about more than learning how to fight.
“Smart Defense is about giving people practical tools and skills that can help them feel more aware, prepared and confident,” said Major Heather Sturzenegger, Department of Public Safety.
Smart Defense is a female-led, trauma-informed program designed to help participants become more aware of their surroundings, recognize warning signs and feel confident making decisions that prioritize their safety.
The emphasis on recognizing unsafe situations before they become physical is an important component of the training. While physical self-defense skills can be valuable, knowing when a situation is becoming unsafe and having the confidence to establish boundaries or leave can be even more important.
The course is taught by Miyo Strong, program director for The Elizabeth Smart Foundation’s Smart Defense program. Strong is a black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu. She also is trauma-informed trained through the Utah Coalition Against Sexual Assault.
Strong’s experience in martial arts and trauma-informed training allows the course to combine physical techniques with an understanding of the experiences and concerns participants may bring into a self-defense class.
The partnership between the U’s Department of Public Safety and The Elizabeth Smart Foundation reflects a broader emphasis on prevention and personal safety. Rather than waiting for an emergency to occur, programs such as Smart Defense give participants tools they can use to identify risks, communicate boundaries and respond when they feel threatened. For college students in particular, those skills can be valuable as they navigate new environments, relationships and social situations.
The course also emphasizes that self-defense is not simply about physical strength. Creating distance, recognizing an opportunity to leave and getting to a safe place are central to the training.
The five-week course costs $30, making the training accessible to students and other members of the campus community interested in developing practical safety skills.
Registration is available through The Elizabeth Smart Foundation.