Have you ever had a day where you didn't feel strong enough to defend yourself? Have you ever been scared of going out alone, or going near your favorite place because you know the school bully will pick on you? What about feeling like you're worthless when someone gives you a hard time and won't back down?

Dustin Heath's ladies' self-defense class, held from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays this semester for students, staff and faculty, provided all the skills you would ever want in order to protect yourself.

Dick Gardener, the director of Gentile Hall, reported that Heath's students had nothing but good to say about their head sensei.

"They said they felt comfortable being taught by Dustin Heath and being around him. He was a good instructor. The information [they] received from this class, was invaluable," Said Gardner.  

Learning self-defense from a highly praised sensei like Heath, is an opportunity that won't always be there. As example of how valuable and kind Heath is, he teaches up to twenty or so students at no charge. His giving nature inspired many and motivated his older students, such as Carl Ripley, to take time out of their own lives to aide the instructor in teaching the other students.

"Dustin is a kind and patient instructor. He is good-natured, understands his student's individual needs, and doesn't show off his own skills while instructing the students," Gardner said.

Learning self-defense not only teaches you how to stand on your own, but it also changes how you feel about your self and your world. Self defense can give you a feeling of accomplishment and purpose in life, enhance your coordination and balance skills, and even calm your mind and heart.

Gardener and others hope Heath will once again teach ladies' self-defense along with his assistants when classes are available again so even more women will have the means to defend themselves, as well as spreading the hope and wellbeing he has awakened in his students.