Geoff Cooper

Chinook Writer

It’s unlikely to end up in a dire self-defense situation, given Wyoming’s violent crime rate, but self-defense isn’t really about the every day. It’s about being prepared for the worst day. 

“Situational awareness can help you avoid a majority of conflict,” said Butch Steinle, the instructor for Casper College’s self-defense course. “But if you’re in it and it finds you and you can’t avoid it, then you need to know how to execute a certain amount of force swiftly and violently.”

Steinle served as a police officer in various capacities for seventeen years and has an extensive background in both armed and unarmed combat. In addition to serving as a SWAT officer, Steinle is a certified Gracie Jiu-Jitsu instructor, and this is the basis for CC’s course. 

According to Steinle, “The main focus is on Jiu-Jitsu because you can take a hundred- and ten-pound female and she can leverage her entire body onto a specific area of an opponent or a predator and inflict pain or even injury to the point where she can get away.” 

However, getting away isn’t the only thing to consider in a self-defense scenario. 

“Self-defense isn’t just going home, it’s also staying out of jail,” said Steinle. “You need to know when to stop and de-escalate so you don’t end up in prison.” 

Besides a background in criminal justice, Steinle has also been investigated himself, as many SWAT officers are, for various events in the line of duty. He brings this unique perspective to the program and imparts those lessons to his students. 

Zoe Swanson, a student enrolled in his class this semester, said that the Steinle relates any given scenario with a volume button and explains when that button needs to be turned up or turned down. 

“It’s really nice because it’s adjustable for each situation,” Swanson said. “It’s also a very safe environment to practice in, and he really takes his time going over each move.” 

This safe environment is something that Steinle is deliberate in fostering. 

“A lot of people are intimidated by this kind of stuff,” Steinle said. “So, I really try to create a safe, fun, and friendly environment. Especially since some of the people pursuing this might have experienced some level of trauma in their life. I want them to feel safe to practice in a controlled environment where they can regain their confidence.” 

Besides being a confidence builder, this class is also available as a PE credit, and it is a unique opportunity for the community since you don’t have to be enrolled in a degree seeking program to attend. The class is currently listed as PEAC 1041 for those interested in registering next semester.