How Dansville is incorporating self-defense into its physical education curriculum

Dansville High School students are reaping the benefits of a physical education curriculum that now includes lessons in self-defense.

The Foundation for Dansville Education is sponsoring the unique program designed to promote personal safety, confidence and empower students.

The classes include practical skills and "knowledge to navigate challenging situations," which Dansville school officials said is in line with the district's "holistic development of its students."

Empower Martial Arts developed classes

The Foundation contracted with Jennifer Smith, owner and instructor at Empower Martial Arts in Geneseo, to provide the classes.

Smith and studio manager Eric Buchak came to Dansville in the spring to offer a session with staff. They were then invited back to provide training for high school students.

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"I created the self-defense curriculum based off of principles found in both taekwondo and karate. Sensei Buchak, my studio manager, and I have synthesized our martial arts backgrounds to create this curriculum for all ages," Smith said.

Topics covered in the classes include principles behind self defense, effective fighting stances, effective striking and kicks, basic ground defense, basic weapon defense and more.

School educators stress the self-defense classes provide benefits that extend far beyond physical techniques. Students develop increased self-confidence, improved communication skills and the ability to stay calm and composed under pressure, they said.

Additionally, participants learned conflict resolution strategies, understanding the importance of de-escalation and avoiding violence whenever possible.

Along with the hands-on training, Empower provides handouts with details and examples of what they taught from the curriculum. As their website grows they will be adding new resources.

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"In an ever changing world, the Dansville Physical Education Department aims to offer a variety of knowledge and skills to help students develop a foundation of opportunities to be successful for a lifetime," said physical education teacher Ryan Conklin. "We're thankful for the opportunity that the Dansville Foundation for Education has given us to connect with Empower Martial Arts."

Dansville High School plans to expand self-defense curriculum

Conklin said plans are already in the works to expand the school's connection with Empower Martial Arts and the self-defense curriculum at the school.

"We are just beginning on this journey of helping young people stay safe and we're so excited," Smith added.

The mission of the Foundation for Dansville Education is to secure educational opportunities for the children and youth of Dansville Central School District by preserving and expanding academic programs, with an emphasis on programs most susceptible to cuts or programs not mandated by New York state.

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This article originally appeared on The Evening Tribune: Dansville students learn safety moves, more in self-defense classes