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MCC Daily Tribune

A Self Defense Workshop from Professor Otero

"I don't want to fight you."
MCC Professor Chris Otero repeated these words as he demonstrates to our MARK (Men Advancing, Raising Knowledge) leadership group what self-defense is. Six of our young men got to hear about his life story: the barriers he faced internally and externally, the racism he endures as a man of color, and the battles he fights to become an educated person, both academically and spiritually. He shared how learning self-defense was integral to his development as a person, and how it shaped his character and love for himself and others. He then led a discussion about the barriers young black males face, like the perception that black males are violent. Our group resonated with his experience and thoughtful questions, like "What makes it hard for you to learn in school? What social pressures do you face?"
During the discussion, one of our students shared about a fight he witnessed at school. Professor Chris asked him to demonstrate the fight, and the self-defense lesson began. Chris taught our guys the moves and conversation skills that can deescalate violence and anger, all while protection yourself without inflicting significant harm to the other person. Sophomore Gammachis noted, "Getting to practice the moves on each other was a ton of fun. I hope next time Chris teaches us how to use our feet more in self-defense."
Thank you to Professor Chris for sharing your insight with our group! We look forward to them becoming men who don't need to fight to validate themselves, and can handle conflict responsibly.

Paul Stack
MCC Upward Bound
06/06/2017