Sevier News Messenger Sevier County News and Opinion
Women and girls can learn real world self-defense techniques at a free Rape Aggression Defense RAD Class offered by the Sevierville Police Department.
The Sevierville Police Department has scheduled a 12-hour Rape Aggression Defense RAD Class for women and girls age 11 and older that will teach realistic self-defense tactics and techniques for women. The purpose of the class is to develop and enhance a woman’s self-defense options, so they may become viable considerations to a woman if she is attacked.
The RAD Class will teach women how to fight smarter, not harder.
The RAD system of self-defense is a comprehensive, women-only course that begins with awareness, prevention, risk reduction and risk avoidance, while progressing on to the basics of hands-on defense training. The RAD Class will teach women how to fight smarter, not harder. Participants will learn how to get out of bear hugs, choke holds and arm grabs, as well as how to get an attacker off you, and how to punch and kick effectively. This is not a martial arts program.
Sevierville Police Department Officer Rebecca Cowan and Lt. David Finchum, both nationally certified RAD instructors, will teach the class. Each participant will receive a workbook/reference manual, which outlines the entire program for future reference and continuous personal growth.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Sevierville Police Department RAD Class:
Do you have to be in great shape to take the class?
No! The class is designed everyone. We have even had an 80-year old take the class!
Can my daughter take the class with me?
Yes. We recommend girls to be at least 11 years old. (We teach this class to ninth graders at high school.)
How much does it cost?
The class is FREE. The Police Department wants to keep our citizens safe.
Do I have to come to all three classes?
No. Each class has different material, but we recommend that you attend all twelve hours.
Will I get to fight anyone?
On the last class, we have an instructor come in wearing a special protective suit so you can practice techniques. It is not required, but it provides you with good feedback.
Do I have to get in front of a class?
No. After the instructor demonstrates the techniques, you be placed into small groups of two or three people to practice. We encourage women to bring friends or family to practice the techniques.
The Sevierville Police Department 12-hour Rape Aggression Defense RAD Class for women will be divided into four workshops, each covering different topics, from 6 – 9 p.m. on June 23, 30, and July 7, 14, 2015. It will be held at the Sevierville Civic Center, 200 Gary Wade Blvd. in Sevierville, Tenn. The RAD Class is provided free of charge to all interested women and girls.
No advance registration is required. For additional information, please call 865-868-1834 or email rcowan@seviervilletn.org or dfinchum@seviervilletn.org.
