The Sevierville Police Department has scheduled a nine-hour Rape Aggression Defense (R.A.D.) class for women on July 16, 23 and 30, 2009, from 6:00PM - 9:00PM each night, at the Sevierville Civic Center in the City of Sevierville Municipal Complex. The class is free of charge and is open to all interested women. The purpose of the class is to develop and enhance self-defense options, so they may become viable considerations to a woman if she is attacked.
The R.A.D. class 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.
The class will be taught by SPD Sgt. Rebecca Cowan and Officer David Finchum, both nationally certified R.A.D. instructors. Each participant will receive a workbook/reference manual, which outlines the entire program for future reference and continuous personal growth.
To register for the class or get additional information, please call 865-453-7310. extension 3013 or 3001.
Frequently Asked Questions about the R.A.D. class:
1. Do you have to be in great shape to take the class? No! The class is designed for all ages and ability levels. We have had an 80-year old take the class.
2. Can my daughter take the class with me? Yes. We recommend girls to be at least 11 years old. (We teach this class to ninth graders at high school.)
3. How much does it cost? Nothing. The Police Department wants to keep our citizens safe.
4. Do I have to come to all three classes? No. Each class has different material, so we recommend that you attend all nine hours.
5. Will I get to fight anyone? On the last class, we have an instructor come in wearing a special protective suit so you can practice techniques. It is not required, but it provides you with good feedback.
6. Do I have to get in front of a class? No. After the instructor demonstrates the techniques, you be placed into small groups of two or three people to practice. We encourage women to bring friends or family that they would like to learn with.
This class is to help women fight smarter not harder. We will show students how to get out of bear hugs, choke holds and arm grabs. The class also covers how to get an attacker off of you, and how to punch and kick effectively.