RAD class

The past few weeks I have been taking a self defense class through the uni, called Rape Aggression Defense (RAD) and I convinced Cissi and Cait from work to come with me. It is for women only though there are some places which do a men's only class as well. It is a 3 part course. The first class is a classroom style class, where they take you through the basics of safety. What to and not to do. Most of it is just common sense but there were some useful tips like how best to hold your keys to use them as a weapon.
And we got little police badges. Which sounds silly but they are cool! :-)





The second week and third weeks are more practical. On the second week, we attack bags. They showed us the moves and we then practiced with the instructors holding punch bags. Me and Cisssi got the big male police officer. He was about twice Cissi's size but the look on his face when she hit the bag was priceless! He started bracing himself really well after that! I don't think I need to worry about her getting beaten up. Her beating other people up, now that is a different matter ... :-)

In the final week, we get to attack cops! Well, they attack us and we defend ourselves. They talked smack talk and got in our way, and then they attack, grabbing us, picking us up, throwing us onto the floor. We all wear pads, especially the police as we beat the hell out of them. It was pretty emotional and scary to be honest at the start. The head pads restrict your view and there were 2 of them against one of you. We each did 2 different scenarios and a couple of people went for a third.

Our police attackers

Cair getting ready

Cissi rearing to go!

Our police attackers looked exhausted and a little banged up at the end, bless them. They also recorded our "attacks" and we got to watch ourselves kicking butt at the end, which was a strange experience.
Once you have done the course once, you can go to any of the classes again. Whenever you want. For free. So Cissi and I are going back again next week to practice the moves again. And we meet some other very nice people there. The atmosphere was great with everyone supporting each other. (Though I don't think any guys would have liked being there - they would probably wince! A lot! We got vicious.) There are RAD courses for men only as well though.
If your uni or police department offers a RAD course, take it! It is really useful, and whether you need it or not (and hopefully not!), it worth it and fun. And a good work-out.