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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."

The Rape Aggression Defense System is a program of realistic self-defense tactics and techniques for women. The R.A.D. System 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. R.A.D. is not a Martial Arts program. Our courses are taught by nationally certified R.A.D. Instructors and provide each student with a workbook/reference manual. This manual outlines the entire Physical Defense Program for reference and continuous personal growth, and is the key to our free lifetime return and practice policy for R.A.D. graduates.

The national standard in self defense Instructor Certification, R.A.D. is internationally recognized for programming quality and organizational commitment to excellence. R.A.D. Systems balances the needs of women to acquire self defense education in a relatively short period of time, with the life long commitment required for physical skill mastery. How? By providing short term training opportunities in a progressive building block format, and combining each with R.A.D.'s trademark Lifetime Return and Practice Policy! Only a unified, extensive network can provide this service, honored nationwide and throughout Canada. While other programs and/or instructors struggle to keep pace, R.A.D. Instructors share life saving information with confidence, knowing that their lessons will be continuously reinforced for a lifetime!

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.

Why R.A.D.?

R.A.D. is the largest network of its kind with over 7000 Instructors receiving training in our systems to date. These Instructors teach at various colleges, universities, and municipal law enforcement agencies as well as various other community organizations internationally. R.A.D. has trained more than 300,000 women since the program began in 1989.
R.A.D. is the only existing program with a free lifetime return and practice policy, honored throughout both the US and Canada.
R.A.D. has developed specialized simulation techniques and equipment for use by certified R.A.D. instructors.
R.A.D. is the only self defense program ever endorsed by the International Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators (IACLEA).
Lawrence N. Nadeau, Director of Instructional Development and Founder.

Aerosol Defense Options

Using the proven R.A.D. Systems philosophy, A.D.O. destroys the myths and manufacturer hype about pepper spray effectiveness and even their ability to deter a Committed Focused Aggressor. Learn the most realistic methods for accessing, deploying and assisting the aerosol defense option; And if it fails to work (and it may), learn the proven backup strategies needed for successful escape. R.A.D. Systems has conducted over 300 video taped live test exposures to various aerosol products with a wide range of delivery systems. Stop believing a manufacturers selling hype, we know what works and what doesn't through hands on experience. Minimum of two (2) hours for participants. Requires (1) day for instructor level certification, in addition to current Basic Physical Defense Instructor Certification.

Keychain Defense Options

Continuing to enhance the many options of self defense, this program is for the Instructor who wants to put an impact weapon in the hands of the students they train. The R.A.D. Keychain Defense Options course is one of the only realistic and court-defensible impact weapons programs available for the general public. Combining proven R.A.D. Physical Defense strategies with revolutionary impact weapons defense techniques makes this program a worthy addition to the R.A.D. System. Realistic employment, combat effectiveness, "light impact", fluid transitions and even simulation training exercises are all part of this program. This program revolves around use of the Kubotan in conjunction with weapon-enhanced physical skills. "No Flash and Trash" techniques here, only the best of the best! Minimum of three (3) hours for participants, four (4) with simulation. Requires one (1) day for instructor level certification, in addition to current Basic Physical Defense Instructor Certification.

R.A.D. for Men

Resisting Aggression with Defense was developed by R.A.D. Systems in 2001. This course also has its foundations in education and awareness. The course includes lecture, discussion and self defense techniques, suitable for men of all ages and abilities. Classes range from nine to twelve hours in length, depending on the Instructor. Requires three (3) days for instructor level certification.

R.A.D. Systems: What RAD Offers

The listings below are technically what the R.A.D. Systems are, however, R.A.D. Systems is actually a functioning network of dedicated self defense instructors that was established in 1989. This alliance of Instructors believes that self defense should be easy to learn, easy to retain, and relatively easy to employ during real confrontational situations. This alliance believes that self defense training should be accessible and affordable for all women and children. They believe that their efforts to oppose violence will be more effective together, than as individuals. As a network they can assist one another with programs, equipment, references, experiences and insight. But most importantly, they honor each others teachings, allowing each of them to give every participant they train, a lifetime return and practice invitation anywhere there is a R.A.D. Program being offered - Cost Free!

R.A.D. Basic Physical Defense

The cornerstone of R.A.D. Systems, this course has its foundations in education and awareness. The course includes lecture, discussion and self defense techniques, suitable for women of all ages and abilities. Classes range from nine to twelve hours in length, depending on the Instructor. Requires three (3) days for instructor level certification.

Below are some simulation videos from the RAD Conference, July 2000. These are examples of what typical students can realistically be expected to be able to do by the end of their Basic class.

First clip - 384K Mpeg file.
Second clip - 424K Mpeg file.
Third clip - 340K Mpeg file.

(Note: These videos are very dark due to low light levels in the room at the time.)

R.A.D. Advanced Self Defense

Builds on techniques and strategies from the Basic class, and adds defenses against the edged weapon and firearm. This program also covers more prone defense strategies, multiple subject encounters and even low and diffused light simulation exercises. Minimum of twelve (12) hours, fifteen(15) with simulation, for participants who have already completed the Basic Physical Defense Program. Requires two (2) days for instructor level certification, in addition to current Basic Physical Defense Instructor Certification.