Judo master on campus helping students

It's a dark night and you're a woman walking to your car alone in an empty parking lot. Suddenly, someone grabs you.

This scenario brings forth a feeling of helplessness and fear in many women. However, these negative feelings can be transformed into feelings of self-confidence and empowerment, according to Midge Marino, the originator and instructor of the CSUS women's self-defense course. Her motto is "Trade your fear for anger."

Marino believes that the mental and physical aspects of self-defense empower women to take control of their lives.

"I have a right to defend myself, and the confidence that I've learned shows," said Cheryl Smith, a senior majoring in program and design.

Smith said Marino's class has taught her empowerment and self-confidence.

Marino, who was born and raised in Vacaville, CA, became interested in judo during her senior year of high school. Under the instruction of Bert Hughes, a judo instructor at the Vacaville Boys' Club, she began honing her skills.

She recalled the shy, introverted young woman she used to be.

"Judo helped build my self-confidence to enable me to teach self-defense to others. That is what judo is about: giving back to the community," said Marino.

In 1968, Marino was selected by the San Juan Judo Club to study at the Kodokan Judo Institute in Tokyo, Japan.

During two weeks of summer training in 1971, she earned a second-degree black belt from the institute. Marino said judo has been instrumental in helping her accomplish goals like establishing the self-defense classes at CSUS.

"I never dreamed I could do the things I have done in my life. I'm very lucky to have had the opportunities I've had," she said.

In addition, Marino received the U.S. Judo Federation Class A Teacher's Certificate in 1971. The degree is the highest one can earn in the U.S. for teaching judo.

Marino also helps the Sacramento Rape Crisis Center plan seminars and workshops that deal with rape prevention and self-defense.

In 1980, she started the organization Trade Your Fear For Anger, which specializes in everything from workshops on personal safety and rape prevention to self-defense classes. The purpose of her courses at CSUS and through her organization is to empower women.

"I want to teach my students to own themselves again, to take back their rights and individuality in order to make a difference throughout their lives," said Marino.

"The class helped me to build self-confidence, awareness and to defend myself," said Trista Sepulveda, a student of Marino's and a senior majoring in human resources management.

Marino believes women's ability to protect themselves has been suppressed by society's portrayal and attitude toward women. She said one reason women are victimized is because they are socialized to believe they are weak.

"If I can teach women about how socialization plays a crucial role in our victimization, they can pass that knowledge on to their children which will help reduce the violence in our society," she said. "I believe that everyone is born with the natural ability to take care of themselves, both mentally and physically. I try to bring that out in my students."