Campus Recreational and Intramural Services (CRIS) at the University of Memphis is set to host a women’s self-defense class on Sept. 23 and Sept. 24 from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. If you’re a full-time student at the U of M, admission is completely free.

According to student newspaper the Daily Helmsman, students will learn a variety of physical self-defense techniques to protect themselves from criminals on and off campus.

“I want women to feel safer while walking to their cars, home, or even to the store,” said CRIS’s Fitness and Wellness coordinator, Katie Gerstemeier. “We want to teach them how to get away from people.”

Curtissa Deneer, a 24-year-old senior at the U of M, told the Daily Helmsman she is always on alert when walking on campus.

“You always have to check your surroundings,” Deener said. “Self-defense classes are necessary to give women the education they need to protect themselves.”

Gerstemeier feels it’s especially important for women to learn self-defense.

“Women are usually easier targets because they are easier to overpower,” Gerstemeier said. “Logically, we are smaller than men.”

As the Helmsman points out, this is the first time the CRIS has hosted a self-defense class. Depending on the turnout, Gerstemeier says more classes will be scheduled for next spring.