What is the R.A.D. System?
The Rape Aggression Defense System is a program of realistic, self-defense tactics and techniques. The R.A.D. System is a comprehensive course for women that begins with awareness, prevention, risk reduction and avoidance, while progressing onto the basics of hands-on defense training.
R.A.D. is not a martial arts program. Our courses are taught by certified R.A.D. instructors and provide you with a workbook/reference manual. This manual outlines the entire physical defense program for reference and continuous personal growth.
The R.A.D. system of physical defense is currently being taught at many colleges and universities. The growing and widespread acceptance of this system is primarily due to the ease, simplicity, and effectiveness of our tactics, solid research, legal defensibility, and unique teaching methodology.
The Rape Aggression Defense System is dedicated to teaching women defensive concepts and techniques against various types of assault, by utilizing easy, effective, and proven self-defense/ martial arts tactics. Our system of realistic defense will provide a woman with the knowledge to make an educated decision about resistance.
We operate on the premise that a spontaneous violent attack will stimulate a natural desire to resist, on the part of the victim (supported by research). We educate women about the flight or fight syndrome, while showing them that enhancing their option of physical defense is not only prudent, but a necessity if natural resistance is to be effective.
Safety and survival in today’s world requires a definite course of action. We provide effective options by teaching women to take an active role in their own self-defense and psychological well being.
R.A.D. Systems is the only self-defense course endorsed by the International Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators.
Once a student has completed a system with R.A.D., she may attend any R.A.D. course of that system in the United States and Canada to practice free. These are skills that must be practiced for a lifetime. Therefore, the student may practice free for a lifetime with R.A.D. Systems. A student must complete the course in that system, however, before she can return for free practice.
Who Can Enroll?
R.A.D. is for women only. The contents of the course were developed based on the natural movements and abilities of women in order to maximize a woman’s ability to defend herself.
UIS students, staff, and faculty receive first consideration when registering for a R.A.D. course offered by the UIS Police Department. Registration is on a first come, first served basis.
A minor (age 17 and under) may register for the course, but she must first receive permission from her parent or legal guardian before participating in any of the activities of R.A.D.
When are the Courses Offered?
There are courses throughout the year. To find out more about when courses are offered, contact the UIS Women’s Center at (217) 206-7173 or send them an email. The Rape Aggression Defense basic courses are 12 hours long. The courses are usually extended over four weeks, with participants meeting one night each week for three hours.
Who are the Instructors?
| Officer Jason Schroeder UIS Police Department Phone: (217) 206-6690 | Sergeant Chelsea Peddycoart UIS Police Department Phone: (217) 206-6690 | Officer Nick Waters UIS Police Department Phone: (217)206-6690 |
| Officer Anley Gerdes UIS Police Department Phone: (217)206-6690 |
How do I Enroll?
Women interested in enrolling in R.A.D. courses offered by the UIS Police Department should contact the UIS Women’s Center at (217) 206-7173 or through e-mail.
Remember, enrollment priority is given to University of Illinois at Springfield students, faculty, and staff and is handled on a first come, first served basis.
R.A.D. Systems operates out of the Tidewater Academy in Poquoson, Virginia. For more information on other courses offered by R.A.D. Systems, including instructor certification, contact R.A.D. Systems at 1-888-472-3543.
R.A.D. Systems
498-A Wythe Creek Road
Poquoson, VA 23662