BU RAD Class open for Registration
The Boston University Police Department offers the “Rape Aggression Defense” program (RAD) specifically for women who wish to physically protect themselves against rape and other forms of violence. The 16-hour course is taught by certified BUPD instructors.
The goal of the BUPD RAD program is to provide an easily accessible program of education and awareness for the women of Boston University. The program trains women in basic self-defense and offers them viable options when confronted with various threats of violence.
The RAD system is not a martial arts class; the RAD system educates women about defensive strategies using simple and effective tactics and a unique teaching methodology. The RAD system—a realistic self-defense program of defensive tactics, techniques, and education—is a comprehensive course for women that progresses from awareness, prevention, risk reduction, and avoidance to basic self-defense participation. The course includes an illustrated and easily read student manual that outlines the entire physical self-defense program and can be referred to for continued personal growth.
The 16-hour course is usually broken down into three-hour classes but may be modified to accommodate the needs of large groups when practical. During the typical course lecture, audio and visual aids are mixed with stretching, warm-ups, and hands-on demonstrations and exercises. Each class repeats the previous drills and progresses to the next phase of defense. The final class gives a complete review of all techniques covered. The course then culminates in various scenarios of unrehearsed simulated attacks in which the student fends off one or more aggressors. All participants are in padded gear and videotaped for review.