Strength, Confidence, and Connection: Smart Defense™ Courses Continue at SUU
Posted: March 11, 2026 | Author: SUU | Read Time: 1 minutes
At SUU, education doesn't stop at the classroom door; it’s about giving students the tools to move through the world with confidence and purpose. That is why we are proud to continue our groundbreaking partnership with the Elizabeth Smart Foundation (ESF) to offer Smart Defense™ (PE 1400).
In 2022, SUU made history as the first university to adopt this program, and its impact on our campus community continues to grow. This one-credit course, housed within the Department of Kinesiology and Outdoor Recreation, is designed to be much more than a physical education elective; it is a transformative experience that fosters both physical strength and mental resilience.
The Smart Defense™ curriculum was created with a specific goal: to give participants the best possible advantage to stop a threat and escape an attacker. By hand-picking techniques from martial arts styles like Krav Maga, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and Muay Thai, the program provides practical, high-impact skills that anyone can use.
However, the "Smart" in Smart Defense™ refers to more than just physical moves. The course also focuses on:
- Situational Awareness: Identifying red flags and unsafe environments before they escalate.
- Healthy Boundaries: Navigating conversations around consent and healthy relationships.
- Using Your Voice: Learning to use verbal boundary-setting as a powerful tool for prevention.
Every instructor in the program is thoroughly vetted ensuring that the learning environment is supportive, validating, and approachable for every student. Students can register for PE 1400 through their mySUU portal.
Course Details:
- Course Number: PE 1400 - Self-Defense (Smart Defense™)
- Credit: 1 Credit Hour
- Format: Five-week training blocks with small cohorts to ensure personalized instruction.
If you or a loved one has been affected by sexual violence, the National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN) is available 24/7 at 800-656-HOPE or via live chat at www.rainn.org. The service is confidential and free of charge.
