Active learning

Wright State University students can register for self-defense, Tai Chi, basketball, soccer, weight training, yoga and karate and receive credits toward graduation.

The classes are offered by the School of Health and Exercise Sciences. Students learn various sports and activities while receiving one college credit per course. The elective courses are offered in various locations and times around campus to make it easy for students to attend.

“Our instructors are all very high level and very experienced in the areas that they teach,” Beth Hersman, Ph.D., professor and chair of the school.

After being suspended during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Raider Active program was resumed recently — just in time for Emma Slade, who only needed one more credit hour from her pickleball class to graduate in December.

“We couldn’t even serve over the net when we started, and now, we are playing games,” said Slade.

DJ Yates, a self-defense instructor in the program who won nine gold medals as a member of the U.S. Karate Team, hopes his students complete the class with new self-confidence.

“The purpose of this class is to give them confidence and the ability to be able to see your way out of a situation and think clearly,” said Yates. “If you had to resort to defending yourself, you’ll have the means to do it.”