The Rochester Police Department is holding self-defense classes on the following days:

• December 28 and January 4, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
• January 7, from 9 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

All classes will be at Old Colony Regional Vocational High School, 476 North Avenue Rochester.

This is a free program for women 14 years of age or older. Call the Rochester Police at (508)763-5112 ext. 109 to register.

Rape Aggression Defense (RAD) System is a program of realistic, self-defense tactics and techniques. It is a comprehensive course for women that begins with awareness, prevention, risk reduction and avoidance, while progressing on to the basics of hands-on defense training.

RAD is not a martial arts program. Courses are taught by Rochester Police Officers Robert Small and Elizabeth Rich, who are certified RAD instructors.

The RAD System of Physical Defense is currently being taught at many Police Departments, colleges, and universities. The growing, widespread acceptance of this system is primarily due to the ease, simplicity and effectiveness of its tactics, solid research, and unique teaching methodology.

The RAD Systems is dedicated to teaching women defensive concepts and techniques against various types of assault, by utilizing easy, effective and proven self-defense tactics. The system of realistic defense will provide a woman with the knowledge to make an educated decision about resistance.

Course Description: 12 hour basic physical defense class.

Session 1
Utilizing the RAD student manual, students will be involved in a discussion of risk reduction strategies, date rape, continuum of survival, defensive strategies and the basic principles of defense.

Session 2
Participating students will begin the process of hands on training. We also discuss the pros and cons of defensive weaponry, how to develop a defensive mindset, understanding offensive and defensive postures, recognizing vulnerable locations and utilizing personal weapons.

Session 3
Participating students will continue the process of hands on training. The techniques utilized by RAD Systems are based on simple gross motor skills and are developed to the point that they become instinctual through repetition. Students will have the opportunity to use these techniques in dynamic impact training by striking padded equipment held by the instructors. All techniques target a single attacker.

Session 4 (can be optional)
Students will then participate in "simulated assault" scenarios with RAD instructors, who along with participants, wear state-of-the-art protective gear specifically designed for this training. Women have the opportunity to utilize their skills in a safe training environment.