Confident, Tough, and Kicking Butt: Wright Veterans Defend the Student Body—Literally

This we’ll defend. Always faithful. Not for self but for country. Aim high…Fly, fight, win. Always ready, always there. These powerful words are proudly spoken from mouths of men and women in the United States’ various military units. Their unified and selfless nature are what many of us admire and should rightfully appreciate.

The brave souls of the armed forces have historically fought for our freedoms, including our own freedom of speech. It is with this freedom that we honor the Veteran’s Club here at Wilbur Wright College, who are still protecting us even after their service.

According to the club’s advisor, Bryan Soske, a veteran’s services specialist who has served 21 years in the air force, “The veteran’s club is for student veterans who served in the military and are transitioning to civilian life…They do events around the school that support vets, community, and student body…We’re basically making a difference in the community and the school, and get the student veterans involved…network with other vets, the community and connections that way.”

Photo of Jose Irizarry instructing two students. Photo taken by Caitlin Cabanas.

They are certainly making a difference in the Wright student community. The Veteran’s Club has recently constructed a woman exclusive self-defense class available to all female Wright students, whether they are or aren’t veterans. It operates on a first come, first serve basis as spots tend to fill quickly. The class meets every Thursday from 4 to 5 PM in the dance studio adjacent to the gymnasium. The gym’s entrance is through the doors located in the Atrium. Though the class technically ends around 5 PM, students are welcomed to stick around and “spar” (free-form fighting.) As to the nature of the class itself, a few students were available to gladly comment their thoughts.

Maria Reina, a first year Wright student who has been in the class for a while, said, “I heard about the class from one of the tutors that gave me a tour of Wright before I entered…When I was given more details, I was convinced, and decided to join.”

There is no way to tell just how many students have attended, or are currently attending the self-defense class, since some students often attend after classes or before work with prior notification and approval of the instructors.

Photo of Jose Irizarry instructing student, Paulina Bober. Photo taken by Caitlin Cabanas.

This fluid form of attendance makes it easier for those interested to fit it into their busy schedules. The instructors offer a $20 punch card, redeemable for up to 5 classes, whose dates are completely up to the student. However, students will definitely want to make some time for the class, as it is more beneficial to continuously attend rather than attending a single class alone. (One day classes are $5 each.)

No class is exactly the same, some stances and methods may be repeated, but only for their benefit and effectiveness. Robert Taylor, Alfredo Salgado, Thomas Garza, and Jose Irizarry are all instructors for the self-defense class. They are current students and veteran’s club members that have experience in a variety of fighting methods, from Mixed Martial Arts to Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.

As student Reina notes, “Each instructor teaches the same process, but, if you notice, each instructor is unique in size…” Reina goes on to note how this difference is helpful in real life situations, where not every attacker will be similar in stature. Thus, the students will learn how to adjust their methods to protect themselves should a situation occur.

Before the class begins, students take the time to stretch in order to reduce the likelihood of injuries. As the class progressed, instructor Jose Irizarry lead the students through a variety of realistic situations, from the tame to the aggressive. Irizarry gave a rundown of what was to be expected: learning the proper way to stand, block, and most importantly, to have fun!

Thomas Garza, Wright Nursing student who served in the Marine Corps and is an assistant self-defense instructor, had much to say about his own opinion of the class itself. “The purpose of the self-defense, isn’t to teach women how to fight; it’s legitimate self-defense…The purpose of this is to get women to gain confidence in avoiding situations altogether, whether they use their voice, or know where to hit someone if they are put in a situation where they do have to get physical. We want to help as many girls as we can, so there’s no more victims [of assault].”

Garza continues, “We want people to take away a sense of almost family. We’d like to be able to get enough people here to where we get regulars. We’re always going to be here. If they want to come continuously, we would all love to get a little self-defense family; I think that would be great. I was excited to teach people fighting moves again. That’s why we’re all here, we love to be able to teach self-defense and fighting in general. Ideally if we have more instructors, we’d like to be able to accommodate more people.”

Veterans demonstrating the proper techniques. Left to Right: TJ Garza, Alfredo "Sauce" Salgado, Jose Irizarry, and Robert Taylor.

Photo taken by Caitlin Cabanas.

Paulina Bober, a student in her third semester at Wright, attended the class for the first time ever. Did she enjoy it? Well, according to Bober, “It’s pretty cool and really laid back. I’m enjoying myself a lot. It’s not really strict; we were comfortable with each other and I like that. Personally I don’t think anyone would attack me, but if anyone would try to, I’d definitely use [the skills I’ve learned].” Reina agrees, saying, “… The class empowers me. It makes me feel safer.”

One sentence that really stuck out was when instructor, Jose Irizarry had advised the students to “get comfortable with being uncomfortable.” This class is meant to be used in scenarios where you feel you are in immediate danger as someone approaches you without consent. Things won’t go as smoothly in the real world as what you experience in the self-defense class. If you’re planning on attending, be ready to get physical. You don’t have to be strong, just come with a will to learn and the rest will follow.

Stop on by the Veteran’s Club in room S132, directly across the cafeteria! Interested in taking the self-defense class? Ask for one of the awesome instructors: Robert Taylor, Alfredo Salgado, Thomas Garza, and Jose Irizarry who would be happy to incorporate you into the class. Are you a veteran and want to mingle with other fellow veterans at Wright? Speak to advisor Bryan Soske, or veteran’s club president Jan Jamarolin, and they can help get you started.

Veterans demonstrating the proper techniques. Left to Right: Alfredo "Sauce" Salgado, TJ Garza, and Jose Irizarry.

Photo taken by Caitlin Cabanas.