Rape Aggression Defense (R.A.D.) Classes

Many colleges (i.e. Princeton and University of Miami) are starting to provide Rape Aggression Defense (R.A.D.) classes. These women self-defense courses are provided by instructors who have been trained by Rape Aggression Defense Systems.

According to the University of Miami, "The basic R.A.D. program encompasses 9-12 hours of self-defense instruction with its foundations in education and awareness. The 12 hour course version has a final simulation" (against a padded aggressor).

According to Rape Aggression Defense Systems, instructors go through a 3 day, 30 hour program for the company's Basic Physical Defense program. Other programs require additional training. Moreover, instructors must submit "a letter of intent with two (2) letters of recommendation from a police officer, crisis center, R.A.D. Systems Instructor Trainer or individuals from the community who serve in a position of repute", undergo a telephone interview and background check.

Note: These are often short courses and this makes it is difficult to obtain effective frequency (muscle memory) to be able to fully utilize the techniques in a real life situation. In addition, one of the potential pitfalls of these programs is if the trainer/attacker goes too easy on the students in order to make them feel accomplished when the technique may not have really worked. Consider following up this type of seminar with further self-defense and martial arts training in order to maximize the value of the R.A.D. program.

Reference Sources

1. University of Miami, Self-Defense: R.A.D. Program Information, http://www.miami.edu/ref/index.php/umpd/services_programs_umpd_department/self-defense_programs_for_women/self-defense_rad_program_information/, Added - 09/22/15
2. Rape Aggression Defense Systems, Basic Physical Defense, http://www.rad-systems.com/rad_basic.html, Added - 09/22/15