Sign up today for free RAD self-defense classes at MTSU beginning June 12

RAD (Rape Aggression Defense) self-defense course graphic depicting silhouetted female using self-defense against silhouetted male with MTSU Police Department and RAD logos

Safety-conscious women on and off MTSU’s campus can sign up online today for a new five-week summer session of the University Police Department’s popular Rape Aggression Defense classes, which will begin Monday, June 12.

This summer’s free RAD classes, which will run Mondays from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. through July 17, are open to all female MTSU students, faculty and staff and to the public. There will be no class Monday, July 3, because of the Independence Day holiday.

More class details are available at www.mtsu.edu/police/RAD.php. To register, visit www.mtsu.edu/police/radcourseregistration.php.

Organizers say that participants must attend all five sessions to complete their training. Class size is very limited because of increasing community interest, so the department is encouraging participants to enroll as soon as possible.

“With some participants’ schedules not quite as hectic during the summer, this would be a great opportunity to join our RAD safety course,” said MTSU Police Detective Kyle Thompson, an instructor in the program. “The extra hours of daylight this time of year also are a plus for any class members who are traveling a little further to join us.”

The Rape Aggression Defense System, a comprehensive program of realistic defense tactics and techniques for women, emphasizes awareness, prevention, risk reduction and avoidance, and progresses to the basics of hands-on defense training. It’s designed for women age 13 and older with no previous experience or background in physical skills training. Instructors also can accommodate any participant’s disabilities.

MTSU’s nationally certified RAD instructors also teach RAD System Aerosol Defense Options, which means class participants will learn about carrying pepper spray and other aerosol self-defense as well as how to purchase a self-defense spray and use it for protection.

After registration, instructors will contact participants with more details about enrollment and the class location. For more information about MTSU’s RAD classes, email rad@mtsu.edu.

— Gina E. Fann (gina.fann@mtsu.edu)