Self-defense lesson taught in assembly

By Kate Finley

Girls State delegates received a self-defense lesson during the general assembly on Tuesday, June 2 presented by Chief Warrant Officer of the South Dakota Army National Guard, Shane Toupal.

Throughout their time at Girls State, delegates are given many opportunities to have life-changing experiences, with one being the live self-defense class.

“I hope, throughout this presentation, there are some things that you can pick up on. There are several different topics we are going to discuss: sexual assault, assault prevention, what to do after assault, your mindset on assault and simple assault. Simple assault can happen at parties or large events. Some assaults are reported to the police, most are not,” said Toupal.

Toupal reminded the audience on how important it is not to put oneself in dangerous situations where self-defense would be necessary, but it is reassuring to know how to impede an offender’s attack.

“I hope that you girls never have to use physical self-defense to prevent sexual assault,” he said.

Statistics reported by Toupal stated that three years ago, 89,000 rape victims were reported in the United States and 95 percent of rape victims in college were not reported.

“No one deserves to be assaulted. It is a crime of power and control. To avoid assault you should prepare yourself mentally, don’t let alcohol or drugs hurt your decisions, do not accept drinks from strangers and don’t let your drink leave your sight, trust your instincts, meet blind dates in public places, and always carry your cellphone,” Toupal said.

The delegates were also given the chance to observe and learn from demonstrations on how to defend oneself from a physical attack, including: the wrist roll, foot stomp, eye gouge and palm smash. Toupal stressed that these defenses were only to be used during an intimate attack and have proven to be extremely powerful.

The variety of information given at the presentation allowed for many of the Girls State delegates to have an impactful takeaway from the presentation.

“(I really enjoyed)…the reaction to being roofied, I never would have thought that a person would get dizzy right before passing out. That is really good to know in case I or any of my friends feel these effects,” said Morgan Fuller, Detroit.

Toupal’s demonstrations and facts about the weaker parts of the body intrigued a particular Girls State delegate.

“I never knew knees were weak! I also never thought about going for the eyes when defending yourself,” said Darienne Frericks, Philadelphia.

(Photo: Shane Toupal, right, demonstrates the wrist roll which can be used in self-defense. Kate Finley / Sacajawea Scroll)