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Our Instructional Objective:

"To develop and enhance the options of self defense, so they may become viable considerations to the woman who is attacked."

 

 

 

 

 

Rape Aggression Defense (RAD) Systems was founded in 1989 by Larry Nadeau to address and combat the growing issue of violence against women.  Nadeau set out to develop a system of programming and instruction which would,” Teach women the options of self defense, so they may become viable considerations to the woman who is attacked.”

Since its’ modest beginning in 1989, RAD Systems has developed into a system that takes a holistic approach to opposing violence within our society.  It is the organization’s belief that we can revolutionize our violent culture through education, and opposing societal violence at every level.

RAD Systems has grown into a network of over 6000 instructors, teaching in over 2500 programs in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom.  As of July 2008, over 300,000 women have completed the RAD Basic Women’s Self Defense Program.  Many of those women have continued their training and education, in some cases becoming certified as instructors.  Many women have reported successfully defending themselves using the techniques they learned in RAD programs.

 

 rad women RAD Systems also has programs for Men, Seniors, and Kids.  Other programs for women include the Advanced Self Defense Class, the Keychain Defense Option and the Aerosol Defense Option.  At this time the Shenandoah County Sheriff’s Office is only able to regularly offer the Women’s Basic Self Defense Program.  The Advanced Self Defense class.

Because RAD Systems teaches from an established, accredited program, it also offers the support of an international network of instructors.  All RAD Systems Programs instructors complete a rigorous training program and are certified upon successful completion.  All of the RAD Programs teach techniques which are easy to learn, retain, and use under stress in threatening situations.

RAD Programs are designed around a person’s natural desire to protect themselves from harm.  Also, the techniques taught in the class are designed so that anyone, at any age or physical ability can be successful. 

Finally, all RAD participants who complete any of the RAD programs are entitled to take any, or all, portions of the class they completed for free, for the rest of their lives, at any RAD program worldwide.

 

Currently Shenandoah County offers classes in the basic women's self defense class if you have a group of ladies that would like to take the training please contact the Sheriff's Office (540) 459-6104 and talk to Sgt Mitch Vernazza for more information on time and locations.

 

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently asked questions:

 

What is RAD?

RAD Programs are a no nonsense practical approach to learning simple techniques to keeping oneself safe in their daily lives while also teaching simple, effective physical defense techniques which can be successfully applied in most confrontational situations.

Though RAD does teach martial arts techniques, it is not a martial arts program.  This class is not intended to teach “fighting” but only self defense strategies and techniques based on a stun and run strategy.

What will I learn in the class?

The class starts by teaching simple, practical risk awareness, reduction and prevention strategies.  The class continues with learning how and where to strike and kick, then leads into escape techniques from various choke holds, bear hugs, ground defense as well as moderate techniques to escape from less threatening situations.  The class concludes with a simulation exercise where participants are afforded an opportunity to utilize the techniques learned in the class in a simulated, though realistic, attack scenarios.

How long is the class?

The Shenandoah County Sheriff’s Office offers the class as a minimum 12 hour program.

Who may take the class?

Only women ages 13 and up may take any of the women’s programs.  Women under the age of 18 will need the written permission from a parent, or legal guardian, prior to actively participating in the class.

 

What is the cost of the class?

The Shenandoah County Sheriff's Office does not charge anything at this time to take the class.

What do I need to bring to class?

Please wear work out attire.  This class is a hands-on learning class and does have physical learning components.

Bring also all the forms completed to the first day of the class.  Parent consent forms will be verified with a call to the parents/guardians indicated on the form prior to anyone under the age of 18 being permitted to participate in any of the physical portions of the class.  Forms will be available on the first day of the class if a participant does not bring them to the first class.

Your participant manual will be provided on the first day and is yours to keep.

May my husband, boyfriend, or significant other observe the class?

No.  The only men in the class are certified RAD instructors.

Where and for whom are classes offered?

Classes will be taught at locations suitable for the request.  However, if a specific group wants a class, and there are other suitable facilities

What is the class size?

Class sizes will vary with no maximum of students.  Instructor to Student ratio will be kept at 1 instructor for every 6-8 students.

What if I have physical limitations or restrictions or am pregnant, but want to take a RAD class?

Please contact Sgt Mitch Vernazza, RAD Program Coordinator, at 540 459-6104 and leave a message.  Many limitations can be accommodated, however, each circumstance is different and not all circumstances can be considered.  In some cases it may be suggested you try to attend a later class, or allowances may be made with a physician’s release.