By The Keystone Newspaper Free Rape Agression Defense (R.A.D.) training open to the KU community
By Samantha Hall
Each semester, members of the KU Police Department (KUPD) offer a free Rape Aggression Defense (R.A.D.) training course to all members of the KU community.
According to the R.A.D. Systems website, the program teaches women “self-defense concepts and techniques.” Specifically, the KUPD addresses “various types of potential assault.” The classes typically begin with topics such as “awareness, prevention, risk reduction, and avoidance,” followed by hands-on defense training.
KUPD has verified that all training staff are certified R.A.D. instructors. These instructors use “specialized simulation techniques and equipment.” R.A.D. is not a martial arts program, and students do not need any prior experience to participate.
R.A.D. provides “knowledge and skills” that women may need to make informed decisions about resistance. KUPD also provides a free workbook manual that outlines the entire physical defense program, allowing participants to continue practicing after the course ends.
R.A.D. offers a free lifetime return and practice policy—participants may attend any class, anywhere. It is the only self-defense program with a global return policy that applies wherever R.A.D. courses are offered.
R.A.D. classes are typically offered at multiple universities throughout the United States as well around the world. Since the program began in 1989, more than 900,000 women have received training. The core principles of the program are awareness, prevention, and risk reduction, and it teaches the “Continuum of Survival.”
The hands-on training typically entails striking, blocking and parries, escaping, personal weapons, defensive postures, vulnerable locations, and simulates assault scenarios. Simulated assault scenarios allow participants to apply these techniques in controlled environments.
Additionally, the course includes a segment on the attacker mindset. This component aims to help students understand how potential attackers think, so they can better anticipate and avoid dangerous situations.
R.A.D. training courses for men may be offered at KU upon request. To register for R.A.D. classes, contact the coordinator, Det. Cpl. Amanda George, at (484) 646-4135 or via email at george@kutztown.edu.