For only $5, female students can join the Rape Aggression Defense (RAD) class at BYU-Idaho and learn how to keep themselves safe if they ever find themselves in a dangerous situation.
The class is held every Tuesday and Thursday from 5-7 p.m. and runs for three weeks. The price covers six classes held during the three weeks.
“You get more out of it than what you put in,” said Rachal Monson, a freshman studying communication. “It’s given me more confidence.”
The class is taught by Officer Doug Barker from University Security with the help of those who have previously passed the class.
“They take the time to make sure we’re comfortable with what we’re learning,” said Brittany McPheters, a senior studying interior design.
RAD classes are offered all over
the nation.
“Once you take a RAD class you can go anywhere in the U.S. and Canada where they have a RAD class and practice for free,” McPheters said.
Heidi Carlson, a junior studying communication, helps teach the class. “I initially took a class in Alaska. Then I came here and found out they had a class,” Carlson said.
In RAD they primarily teach simple self-defense moves, but there is more to rape aggression defense.
“We also teach ways to be cautious to prevent yourself from getting in a situation,” Carlson said.
At BYU-I, RAD for women is offered, but elsewhere in the nation there are also RAD Kids, RAD for Seniors, and RAD for Men classes available.
Once the skills are learned, they continue to be applicable. “All the moves are basic enough you can do them at any age,” Carlson said.
The RAD objective is “to develop and enhance the options of self-defense, so they may become viable considerations to the woman who is attacked,” according to www.rad-systems.com.
“I feel like I know enough to avoid any situations and take care of myself,” McPheters said.
Many consider the class a valuable asset and believe the price will never be too high for safety and confidence.
The next RAD class starts Feb. 16 and will continue for three weeks.