Hosted by Campus Recreation and Innovate Karate, the hour-long workshop is free to all students and teaches important techniques for those traveling during break
KINGSTON, R.I. – March 9, 2026 – With spring break on the horizon and the University of Rhode Island promoting its annual sendoff for students at the Memorial Union, the timing couldn’t be better to work in a few much-needed safety tips for would-be travelers.
This year, Campus Recreation is teaming with URI’s Health Services department for the first time to offer a special edition of its free self-defense workshop on Wednesday, March 11 at 6 p.m. in the MU Ballroom immediately following Health Services’ Safe Spring Break Beach Party from 3–6.
Campus Recreation initially launched the self-defense workshop six years ago and offers it twice per semester at the Anna Fascitelli Fitness & Wellness Center, but this is the first time it’s been held in conjunction with the Safe Spring Break Beach Party, a natural fit, according to coordinator of fitness, health, and well-being Denise Robbin, given that both events were originally planned for this week. Spring break runs this year from March 16–22.
“With many students traveling over break and finding themselves in unfamiliar and potentially dangerous surroundings, this is a great time to learn, or freshen up on, the skills to stay safe,” Robbin said. “When we saw that the Safe Spring Break Event and our Self Defense Workshop were both being planned for the week leading up to break, we decided to bring these two events together in one venue.”
The Safe Spring Break Beach Party, held annually by Health Promotion and Student Involvement, begins at 3 in the MU lobby with free food, mocktails, safety resources, and music from WRIU-FM 90.3. Students will learn about safety tips about proper skin care in tropical climates for those who travel, how to focus on moderation and situational awareness if or when drinking, and safe sex practices. A nurse practitioner from Health Services will also be on hand to offer STI testing guidance, AAA will provide travel tips and free memberships, and students can also enter to win anywhere between 20 and 30 gift baskets with gift certificate donations from local businesses.
The highlight of the evening is the self-defense workshop, led by Sensei Brett Geaber of Innovate Karate in North Kingstown. The hour-long workshop teaches techniques to avoid and escape dangerous situations, including striking and defensive moves. Students can register for the free course through IMLeagues.
While students are encouraged to practice caution when traveling abroad – utilizing the buddy system, securing belongings in hotel safes, spacing out alcohol consumption, and being wary of meeting strangers in secluded areas – basic self-defense techniques can be critical when unexpected situations arise.
“These are important skills for everyone to know and practice at all times, but especially in new or unfamiliar situations,” Robbin said. “College life and campus living opens a whole new world to students. They are meeting new people and exploring new surroundings. Being confident and aware, and learning techniques to avoid and escape dangerous situations empowers students to feel secure and manage any threat they may encounter.
“Brett Geaber and his team from Innovate Karate emphasize situational awareness, boundary setting, and de-escalation while presenting a variety of scenarios for participants to practice strikes, kicks, and escape from holds. Many people – myself included – have attended multiple sessions and learn something new each time.”
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Michael Parente, director of communications and marketing in the URI Division of Student Affairs, wrote this news release.