Self-defense classes are being offered on Mondays at 7:30 p.m. in Studio A of the Student Recreation and Wellness Center. Micah Bynum, freshman communications major from Aiea, Hawaii, teaches the class.

“Karate, in my opinion, is the best way to find inner peace in this world other than the peace of Christ,” Bynum said. “The Buddhists got it right when they created this art. It’s one of the best ways to make yourself a better person.”

Bynum has been training in different martial arts since he was 6 years old. Currently, he is a first-degree black belt.

“Everyone should train in a martial art,” Bynum said. “I apply it to every aspect of my life, even Christianity. It’s literally everywhere in everything I do.”

Bynum believes in teaching the history and philosophy of karate while teaching the physical exercise. In the end, Bynum hopes his students grasp the deep understanding of the art.

“I am a real martial arts nerd,” Bynum said. “I love the philosophy and I love striving for perfection in the art.”

Bynum is also offering private lessons for those who are interested in one-on-one instruction.

“This has literally been my dream since I was young,” said Bailey Cate, freshman elementary education major from Freemont, Neb. “My brothers took karate growing up so I always wanted to try it. Last week, I looked up martial arts classes in Abilene and got really excited when I found this was at ACU.”

Bynum got permission to teach self-defense in the Rec Center from Dr. Kerri Hart, associate director of the Royce and Pam Money Student Recreation and Wellness Center and assistant professor in the Kinesiology and Nutrition Department.

“Micah’s passion for self-defense and his base of knowledge seemed like the perfect fit,” Hart said. “Talk about fit, those attending will get a really great workout while in his class.”

The self-defense class is free for the first two sessions, then students will need a group exercise pass to attend. Group exercise passes will be available at half-price beginning March 11.