Jennifer Alvarez, Edie Davis, And Bridget DeLaRosa traveled to Austin to complete the R.A.D. Basic Physical Defense for Women Instructor Certification. In 1989, Lawrence N. Nadeau a former United States Marine and law enforcement officer founded Rape Aggression Defense (R.A.D.) Systems. Today R.A.D. is a nationally recognized alliance of self-defense educators dedicated to enhancing defensive options for women and children, while developing their abilities to manage aggressive and violent behavior.

R.A.D. is the largest organization of its kind and it is the only such organization or program ever endorsed by the International Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators (IACLEA). RAD has reached over 275, 000 women empowering them and helping them realize their inner strength.

There are different certifications an instructor can attain:

• R.A.D. Basic Physical Defense
• R.A.D. Advanced Self Defense
• Aerosol Defense Options
• Keychain Defense Options
• R.A.D. for Men
• radKIDS

The STW women attended the RAD Basic. This is the foundation of R.A.D. Systems and focuses on education and awareness. The course included lectures, discussions, and self defense techniques, suitable for women of all ages and abilities. The course was three days with classes ranging from nine to twelve hours in length. The physical defense sessions included lessons in basic stance, strikes, blocks and defense against bear hugs and chokes. Each technique was created for women to be able to take advantage of lower body strength.

During the final session, there is a simulation exercise in which the women get to implement what they learned. During this exercise they defend themselves from an “attacker”. This exercise is an empowering moment…the women realize that they are not helpless and are able to employ the Defensive Mindset that says, “I will survive!”

R.A.D. training helps women to become aware of their surroundings and helps them understand that they do not need to be powerless in an event of an attack. The goal or objective is to provide women viable options to an attack.

The R.A.D. instructors and the students were all true professionals. All that were present showed their solidarity and commitment to fighting violence against women.

The mission of R.A.D. Systems is to establish an accessible, constantly improving and nationally respected alliance of dedicated instructors.

The instructors in turn will provide educational opportunities for women, children, men, and seniors to create a safer future for themselves.

In doing this, we challenge society to evolve into an existence where violence is not an accepted part of daily life.

—R.A.D. Systems Alliance 2004

For more info about R.A.D.: RAD (Rape Aggression Defense Systems)