Event Dispatch: Learning Self-Defense Skills
MBA student Phuong-Nghi Pham ’26 joined a self-defense class led by a local Krav Maga practitioner. The class was part of a series of events celebrating the Title IX Working Group’s 10th anniversary.
In this series, students answer quickfire questions about events across campus.
Event: Title IX Anniversary Series, Self-Defense Class
Hosts: Title IX Working Group and Women in Management
Location: Beinecke Terrace Room, Evans Hall
Date: February 4, 2026
What was the event? A self-defense class for beginners. I saw the event on CampusGroups, and it seemed like a great way to build community and learn interesting skills from an experienced instructor.
Who showed up? Women across different SOM programs!
What happened? It was a mix of mental preparation—psychology plays a big part in self-defense—and different partner drills to help us understand our bodies and how we react to surprising situations, like being suddenly pulled in one direction.
Key takeaway? My main takeaway is that it’s hard to train for self-defense, but in a survival situation, you need to be able to make smart decisions without overthinking. Even though I’m a smaller woman, I have tools at my disposal. It just takes training and time to be able to use them effectively. I really liked that I was able to practice with friends at this event—knowing we’re in a safe environment, that we trust each other, and that we can push our boundaries in a helpful way.
Who should go next time? This is a cheesy answer, but everyone! Especially people who don’t think they have the skills. Our instructor made the great point that even if you’re a martial artist and you train formally, a self-defense situation requires different muscle memory and instincts.
