By Phoenix Guevara and Jessie Recendez, Oct 22, 2024
On-campus burglary incidents at Cal Poly Pomona have risen by 90% in 2023 compared to the numbers in 2022, whereas robbery incidents doubled in the same period, according to the 2024 annual security report.
Robbery and burglary crimes, according to the same report, comprised around 55% of all crimes on campus in 2023. Rape, fondling and domestic violence accounted for almost another 20% of all crimes.
In a study from nearly 6,0000 higher-education institutions, rates of on-campus crimes have risen back to pre-pandemic levels and even increased by around 8% between 2019 and 2022, USA Today reported. This increase comes as more students return to campus, although there have been lower overall enrollment numbers compared to previous years.
These statistics underscore the value of self-defense awareness for CPP students and college students worldwide. However, practicing self-defense is not about living in fear. Instead, it can build confidence and control over safety in an uncertain world.
At CPP, several programs help students develop self-defense skills and awareness. Associated Students Inc. offers a weekly variety of martial arts classes at the BRIC, where students can learn practical safety techniques from a variety of disciplines.
“My philosophy centers around inclusivity and adaptability, ensuring every student feels supported and challenged,” said Steve del Castillo, a self-defense trainer at the BRIC.
This approach not only makes self-defense accessible to all students, but also creates a supportive community for learners.
The BRIC’s classes cover diverse disciplines that teach distinct self-defense techniques. The Filipino Martial Arts class develops blunt and edged weapon proficiency, while the Jiu-Jitsu class focuses on ground fighting maneuvers and submission holds. Every style equips students with abilities that are useful for self-protection. Additionally, these classes promote fitness and stress relief, which are key factors for student health and well-being.
Complementing the BRIC’s structured classes, the CPP MMA Club offer students another avenue to explore self-defense techniques. The club’s approach, supported by the club’s coach Nate Williams, mirrors the diversity found in the BRIC’s classes, exposing members to various martial arts disciplines.
“Self-defense is a building block of being able to protect yourself and those that you love,” Williams said. “So, when it comes down to it, it’s better to know it and not need it than need it and not know it.”
The benefits of these self-defense resources extend far beyond physical safety. Students have reported improved mental health from learning these skills.
“Building upon skills I already know and learning better defensive techniques has given me the confidence to defend myself,” said Nicholas Martinez, a kinesiology student and member of the CPP MMA Club.
What some may view as an intimidating subject, MMA and self-defense have fostered tight-knit communities throughout the university. Finding common ground with other club members, according to Martinez and Williams, enhances both learning self-defensive skills and developing friendships.
“We’re all here to make each other better, build each other up, and do things together that truly foster brotherhood and camaraderie among us,” said Williams.
While physical self-defense skills are crucial, awareness and prevention play equally important roles in student safety. The CPP University Police Department offers services designed to enhance campus security, such as the 24/7 Safety Escort Service, which provides accompanied walks to destinations on campus.
The department also has a direct line, (909-869-3070) with a shorter response time than when calling 911. Additionally, Code Blue Phones located throughout campus are equipped with a red emergency button for direct contact with university police.
When students feel unsafe, they should always call the campus police or request a safety escort. However, how we approach self-defense is a personal choice. Focusing on self-defense awareness through resources like BRIC classes and the CPP MMA Club is another way to build confidence and control over our safety during unpredictable times.
Feature image courtesy of CPP MMA Club