Ho-Asjoe is a familiar face in Krav Maga; a form of self-defense that is mainly focused on realistic situations. The workshop pays a lot of attention to awareness, observation and the prevention of a fight situation. “By means of your attitude you can prevent many confrontations. Be aware of your surroundings, stand firm, upright and watch your mimicry”, says Ho-Asjoe.

The audience is diverse: both men and women are interested and we see an almost equal distribution between Dutch and international interest. That also makes it easy for Ho-Asjoe to immediately address the challenges of intercultural communication: “We are in the Netherlands where many cultures come together. Mutual understanding and awareness is essential in such an environment. It is important to stand up for yourself. Everything revolves around setting boundaries: what do we find acceptable from each other?”

Micro agression

Macro aggression is easy to recognize. But it is actually micro aggression that can give you a very unpleasant feeling without being directly noticeable. It can be a look, someone who comes too close in your personal space or a comment that actually violates your boundaries. It always revolves around awareness and limits. Both verbally and non-verbally.

The workshop is divided into theory, role play and physical exercises. Ho-Asjoe creates awareness of your own attitude and the use of your voice, but also of signs of micro aggression in others. Ivan Kozlov, TU/e Information Security Technology student, thinks it’s a very interesting workshop: “I mainly come here to acquire new skills and knowledge about posture and self-confidence.” During the physical part, the participants go wild with self-defense techniques. Corey Robledo, Fontys Physiotherapy student, already has a background in various defense sports. He registered because he was curious about the workshop: “I think this is certainly a good idea for many people.” Loes Mutsaers, TU/e employee at the Department of the Build Environment, thinks the empowerment workshop is a good combination of theory and practice: “Consciousness is very important.”

A strong community

Susan Lambriks, program manager at the Student Sports Center (SSC), took the initiative for the empowerment workshop. “TU/e is characterized by a diverse international environment. We want all of our community members to feel comfortable and strong. For us at the SSC, community building is very important and this is one of the ways in which we contribute to this. For in a pleasant community you empower each other.”