Okay...attended the first 'class', and this is my feedback (I consider myself to be a typical middle-aged American female, with no prior experience in self defense other than some MA):

The class is the most basic of the those offered by R.A.D. systems (see link higher up in this thread). The workshop is 3 hrs long, on 5 nights, and targets women ages 15 to 60 (or older if able). RAD is an acronym for 'Rape Aggression Defense', but the instructors tried to get away from the 'R' word...stressing that the self-defense techniques were useful in various types of 'abductive' encounters.

The workshop was led by two local police officers (small town) who were RAD certified, and about 7 women attended...so it was led in a very informal, casual way. First class: lecture and entirely focused on 'awareness', scenarios, paperwork (waivers and promise not to talk about what I learn in the class...oops! ), and introducing the women to the 'how and why' of a basic defensive stance. I flipped through the thin manual for the techniques (to be worked on in upcoming sessions) and they were 'the basics'...hammerfist, elbow and knee strikes, target areas, breaking chokeholds, etc.

I was bored out of my mind, and asked when we get weapons training. Answer: you don't.

try not to accidently yell "NO!" instead of "Kiai" in your Goju class.

Thats interesting but you are blowing your cover. If they know you are trained they will change the course or try to get you to help instruct, wait. Get a good idea of their intent, purpose and method of delievery, wait for it. Remember they won't be working at your level, see how they teach the basics, look at the pro and con of their delievery.

So far the RAD system is not were you are at, let it grow and see where its at. Your presence might improve the course later don't challenge the course or direction or they will take you out of teh main class into a private course. Which might not be bad for you but it won't give U a chance to evaluate the RAD course.

Sounds good so far for a newbie, right??

Class 2:

Hands on class, introducing body mechanics and generating power from a particular stance, basic strikes and kicks, finger rolls, and (I don't know what to call it...grappling...ground techniques?) how to roll someone off of you.

Then practicing same against pads, and then practicing with some slight aggression. This part was personally interesting...to observe how each person (newbie) reacted under stress...myself included.

did you react differently than you would have expected?

(as a side note, ironically in the computer world, 'RAD' stands for 'Rapid Application Development' )

Yes, actually. Who knew?

Having survived an assualt with a knife, I am coming to MA, and RAD, with this preconcieved idea of learning more about this end of the violence continuum. I already know how I react in that type of extreme situation. However, I was unprepared to experience the 'intimidation' prelude. This brought up/identified a lot of emotional garbage that I will now address.

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did you react differently than you would have expected?

(as a side note, ironically in the computer world, 'RAD' stands for 'Rapid Application Development' )

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thats cool that you are getting something out of it which you didn't expect....can't ask for any better than that. I look forward to your next class review.

Alright looks like its getting interesting now!! And its making you search and improve yourself, even a season MA can find truth in that. Greatt!!! Is too early to say that its changing your views on whats possible and feasiable?

I'd be interested in knowing how you stop the dudes in the body suits, gotta treat them likes drunks they don't feel much in those body suit. But they can't hurt you if they are not standing in those suits. Thats another subject keep us posted its getting good, now. Right!!

"Red Man"...there will be only one...as it is a basic course. Apparently, he prides himself on his one-liners...ability to make a woman 'lose it'.

We'll see. I've been promised an advanced course (multiple attackers) and a weapons class after that...if I make it.