In the wake of the increased sexual assaults on campus last semester, the Mixed Martial Arts club aims to arm students with the ability to defend themselves.

The MMA club meets from 4 to 6 p.m. on Wednesdays in the Feather Studio at the Well to practice an array of fighting styles.

Drew Verdi, the club’s president and coach, said the amount of sexual assaults on campus is way too high and learning the techniques practiced during class is good for anyone at all different skill levels.

“I think it’s a God-given right,” Verdi said. “Everyone should have a roof over their heads, they should have food, and they should be able to defend themselves.”

Verdi, a junior international business major, has been wrestling for more than 19 years and was a captain of the wrestling team his senior year at his high school in Danville, Calif. He continued his enthusiasm for the sport in San Luis Obispo where he began training in MMA for five years. He hopes to use his knowledge of striking and wrestling to teach anyone who is willing to learn.

“I’m trying to only teach moves that actually translate into real things that people can use to defend themselves,” Verdi said. “Everyone can do it starting from nothing.”

One of the club members, Sac State student Julio Zuniga, said he found a flier from the club on campus that read, “No one expects a kick to the head.” He knew he had to check it out. Zuniga has experience in wrestling, judo, kickboxing and boxing. He expects to get in better shape, become a better fighter, and improve on his technique.

The club members are enthusiastic for the ability to learn new techniques. Rheyman Reroma, junior fine arts major, is eager to pick up new skills in the club to add to his background in judo, muay thai and jiu jitsu.

“I’m into the technical aspect, but it’s always good to get a workout in,” Reroma said. “If you’re looking for a workout, or further your knowledge, or just curious, then it’s a good place to come to.”

The club consists of 22 to 25 members and has four women attending. Verdi expected anywhere from five to 50 members to join, but said that if it gets larger than that, they will be looking for a larger room.

The women in the class understand that protecting yourself is a valuable asset.

Kristen Cecchettini is a freshman at Sac State who does not want to become another crime-victim statistic.

“With all the on-campus (sexual assaults) I think it’s important for girls to know something,” Cecchettini said. “I have pepper spray too, but that only goes so far.”

Verdi said sports club director Rich Clakeley also supports the idea of educating students with self-defense classes.

“The school is giving the people an opportunity to actually be able to defend themselves. I’m really happy they’re supporting it and we’re now going to be able to teach people moves that they can actually use,” Verdi said. “The school has let us restart the club. It’s such a high-risk club that there could be a lot of obstacles.”

The club’s next step is getting the funding for protective gear and pads. Verdi said pads could enhance the level of training because without gear, they are limited in the amount of techniques they are able to practice.

Verdi said size does not matter when it comes to fighting or defending yourself as long as you have good techniques.

“If size matters,” Verdi said, quoting MMA fighter Rickson Gracie, “The elephant would be the king of the jungle (and not the lion).”

You can reach Joe Fleming at [email protected]