Douglass JROTC uses suits to train defense tactics
By Kenneth Burns and Elijah-juan Pearcy Eye of the Hurricane
Frederick Douglass students in September got the opportunity to don inflatable sumo suits and knock each other about for a while.
“It was fun and a cool experience,” said Douglass junior Jarnard Smith Jr.
The suits were brought in Sept. 25 by the Michigan National Guard through the Frederick Douglass Academy for Young Men JROTC program. Most Douglass students participated and were paired against other students of the same weight class.
Douglass JROTC instructor Terry Strauss said the goal was to teach students self-defense moves by using their bodies to defend themselves. Students, many who have been bullied and harassed in and out of school, can use this experience to gain self-defense skills.
“I felt that it was a fun activity, and it was safe,” Douglass senior Nathan Lymon said. “In fact, this project was so fun and tempting that even teachers participated!”
“I learned better ways to defend myself, and it was a great experience,” Douglass senior Chase Davis said.
