In response to sexual assaults in the area, local gyms and groups on campus are providing self-defense classes to teach students how to stop a situation in which an assault may take place.

Paul Zelinka, owner of Titan Fitness, 412 W. College Ave., said there is a definite need in the State College and Penn State community for this type of fitness class.

"A year ago, it seemed as though there was a growing climate against women, both on campus and in the downtown State College area," he said. "With the type of [martial] arts we teach, it levels the playing field. We wanted to deal with [self-defense] before the emotional scars occur."

On campus, another program involving Penn State's Center for Women Students and the Penn State University Police has been developed for the same reason.

"We want to bring awareness of situations one might find oneself in and how to get out of it in an effective way," said Susan DelPonte, Center for Women Students program assistant.

The RAD Program (Rape Aggression Defense System) offers a certification in self-defense. The classes are also free because of an endowment that was donated specifically for teaching enrolled female students how to defend themselves, DelPonte said.

Titan Fitness began its self-defense program last spring. After a positive response from women who participated, Zelinka said he wanted to continue the program. He, along with Titan Fitness martial arts director Bruce Lombard, developed the curriculum for the classes.

"The primary skills that we teach are reality-based and street practical. They're techniques that anyone can perform," Zelinka said. "The movie stuff where you're jumping and spinning are pretty, but they don't work."

Instructors teach punching, kicking, kneeing and elbow techniques that target vulnerable areas on the body to help neutralize a potentially dangerous situation. Zelinka said the eyes, throat and groin are primary target areas.

While the RAD system is free to female students at Penn State, there is a $50 fee to enroll in one of the self-defense classes at Titan Fitness. The classes are 90 minutes long and take place once a week for six weeks. RAD includes four classes that span a two-week period. Once certification is earned in the RAD program, students are free to take refresher courses. Both programs are geared toward women.

Mary Anne Knapp, a Center for Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) therapist, said she would recommend a self-defense program to all women students.

"I definitely feel that it's helpful for them to have more confidence in their body. I think, as women, we want to be nice and not fight," she said. "You can be in shock when you get in a fight. Now they can learn how to take action."

Zelinka said the ultimate goal of the Titan Fitness self-defense classes is to empower women and help them diffuse any kind of dangerous situation.

"Women shouldn't have to suffer the physical and emotional scars. We want to make these predators think twice," he said. "It's a way for women to take care of themselves."