R.A.D. classes are underway once again this semester, educating Lipscomb women about personal safety.
R.A.D., which stands for Rape Aggression Defense, is a nationwide self-defense program with the main goal of providing realistic self-defense options to women regardless of their physical conditioning. Lipscomb’s department of Safety & Security , for the second year in a row, is offering this course that has helped hundreds of women learn the basics of defending themselves if they are ever in a dangerous situation.
David Cagle, class instructor and campus security officer, teaches the basics in ground fighting, punching, kicking, risk reduction, awareness and prevention of possible rape and sexual assault incidents.
Learning to defend yourself and being mentally prepared is very important, Cagle said.
“Every young lady or any faculty member and staff should take this class,” he said. “If not this class, some sort of self-defense course.”
Due to the success of the previous year’s course, the university has added one more class and is also in the works of adding four certified R.A.D. instructors to teach the classes. For the women who attend, not only will the class teach them physical methods of defending themselves but will help them mentally be aware of their surroundings.
Over the years, Cagle has seen R.A.D. empower the women who complete the course. He said many times women enter the course feeling unprepared to protect themselves but leave feeling equipped and confident.
This month’s course is already underway. The course, which lasts for three sessions, will also be offered Feb. 13, 20 and 27 from 6-10 p.m. Registration is in progress, and the course costs $10 for Lipscomb students. The class will be discounted $5 if Lipscomb students bring a non-LU friend or family member. The cost is $15 for faculty and staff. There is also a $5 discount for mothers and daughters to attend.
For more information or to sign up, go to http://www.lipscomb.edu/safety/Page/Index/8237