Chris Coduto/Arizona Daily Wildcat Right to left, Ashley Forsline, a biochemistry and economics junior, Kaitlin Prater a communication and journalism sophomore, and nursing junior Tara Bradford, practice how to defend themselves with instructor Daniel Hutterer, an engineering management freshman, last night at the Tri-Delta sorority house.

Event was first in health series for sororities

Some Delta Delta Delta sorority members stood in line in pairs as they practiced choke releases, cross punches and knee smashes to the rhythm of upbeat techno music as they were instructed by a black belt karate master.

About 15 women attended a women's self-defense seminar last night at the Tri-Delta sorority, organized by an advocate of OASIS Program for Sexual Assault and Relationship Violence.

Daniel Hutterer, a black belt and national champion in Isshinryu, went through some drills.

Tina Tarin, a violence-prevention specialist at OASIS and certified instructor for Rape Aggression Defense Systems, said it is crucial for women to get some sort of self defense training because one out of four college-age women are victims of rape or attempted rape, according to statistics from the book "I Never Called It Rape."

"It's a good opportunity for our women to be aware of our surroundings, especially on a big campus like this," said Ashley Forsline, Tri-Delta president and a junior majoring in biology and economics. "I hope to feel more confident," she said before the seminar.

The girls practiced throwing punches as they shouted "kiai," a Japanese word they were instructed to yell with full force.

"My favorite part of the session was learning the different types of kicks just because I feel like I'm stronger with my legs and it's easier to protect myself that way," said Allison Dickey, an elementary education sophomore.

Elyse Fune, the event coordinator, said the seminar was this year's first event of her Happy Health Days program, designed to inform sorority members about how to lead healthy and better lives.

As part of the program, Fune, a psychology junior, also plans on hosting a variety of informative events such as a CPR seminar and OASIS speakers mixed with some fun events like ballroom dancing and cooking Mexican food.

Hutterer said the women need to keep practicing so they can remember how to defend themselves whenever necessary.