RAD Self Defense

Self-Defense Education

R.A.D. stands for Rape Aggression Defense. The R.A.D. Systems of Self-Defense offers defense education programs for children, women, men, and seniors. These offerings provide a truly holistic approach to self-defense education, supporting the necessity of continuous learning in order to provide realistic options for each population as they go through life. Each of these programs includes educational components comprised of lecture, discussion, physical resistive strategies, all of which are facilitated by certified R.A.D. Instructors supported by a network of dedicated professionals who honor one anothers students through our unique Lifetime Return and Practice Policy.

Personal self-defense programs developed by R.A.D. Systems have been taught on the campus of West Chester University since 1993. R.A.D. Systems is the National Standard in Self Defense Education based at the National Academy of Defense Education in Denham Springs Louisiana. R.A.D. Systems is the largest self-defense educational organization in the United States and Canada and all courses are presented by WCU Instructors currently certified through R.A.D. Systems. All courses taught at the WCU campus are free to members of our campus community.

In addition to the physical defense programs listed below, WCU R.A.D. Instructors can also provide 1-2 hour seminar presentations on personal safety and awareness for those who are interested in learning more about reducing their risk of victimization, but who may not be able to commit to the time required for a complete course.

For more information about R.A.D. Systems self-defense education at WCU, please contact:

RAD@wcupa.edu

Physical Defense Programs for Women

BPD - Basic Physical Defense (12 hours)
The cornerstone of R.A.D. Systems programming, this system of realistic defense will provide a woman with the knowledge to make an educated decision about resistance. R.A.D. Systems operates on the premise that a spontaneous violent attack will stimulate a natural desire to resist on the part of the victim (supported by research). This course will educate women about Risk Reduction Strategies and the "Fight or Flight Syndrome," while showing them that enhancing their option of physical defense is not only prudent, but a necessity if natural resistance is to be effective. Participants will learn about personal weapons, vulnerable locations postures in conflict and the many options they have available to employ if engaged in an aggressive encounter. This program is a minimum of 10 hours of training and will be 12 hours with simulation.

ASD - Advanced Self Defense (25 hours)
This system of defense builds upon techniques and strategies learned in the Basic Physical Defense class. This program covers more prone defense strategies and multiple subject encounters. Participants must have already completed the Basic Physical Defense course prior to taking Advanced Self-Defense.

Physical Defense Programs for Men

RFM - Basic Physical Defense (12 hours)
Resisting Aggression is a choice. You are responsible for how you respond to any event in your life. Your decisions contribute to your past, present and future. Only you can make the choice to transform your life by committing to resist aggression. By investing your time and effort into this system, you will be presented with educational options to resist aggression. You will be asked to raise your awareness of aggressive behavior, to recognize how aggressive behavior impacts your life, to take steps to avoid aggressive behavior, and to look at how you can be part of reducing aggression and violence. Unfortunately, in a small number of incidents, physical confrontation may be unavoidable. Our program also provides participants with realistic strategies for men forced into physical confrontation. Resisting Aggression with Defense is designed to empower men to make different decisions when confronted with aggressive behavior. This is the first step towards reducing aggression and violence for ourselves and those we love. This program is a minimum of 10 hours of training and will be 12 hours with simulation.

Spring 2024 Schedule - RAD for WOMEN

B.P.D Women's Class registration is now open.

To register for any of these classes please click on the registration link above. Classes will be held on campus. All classes require at least 6 participants so feel free to TELL A FRIEND!

Classes are FREE and run consecutively for 4 weeks on the following Sundays, Mondays and Thursdays (from 5:00PM to 7:30PM).

  • Section 1: Mondays starting 4/1/24
  • Section 2: Thursdays starting on 4/4/24
  • Section 3: Sundays starting on 4/7/24

Location: TBD

Class space is limited, and all participants must register for one of the three sections above.

Fall 2023 Schedule - RAD for MEN

Register for a WCU R.A.D. Course

To register for any of these classes please click on the registration link above. Classes will be held on campus - locations vary depended on course. All classes require at least 6 participants so feel free to TELL A FRIEND!

As West Chester University has eased COVID restrictions on campus, the RAD team is currently working towards scheduling upcoming courses. If you would like to be notified when they are scheduled or if you have a group (big or small) interested in having their own course, email rad@wcupa.edu and an instructor will contact you.

Course 1: TBD

Dates: TBD

Group Course Scheduling

For Women and Men - If you are interested in participating in a course with your group on days and times other than those we have on our schedule, please contact RAD@wcupa.edu for more information on how to register a class specifically for your group. There must be a minimum of 6 participants in your group to schedule a course.