This weekend, Fresno State will provide women with the opportunity to learn about self-defense by offering Rape Aggression Defense System classes. The program is a comprehensive course that concentrates on realistic, self-defense tactics and techniques.
“I believe this class is effective in preparing women to protect themselves by using easy but effective physical techniques,” R.A.D. instructor Sgt. Jennifer Curwick said. “I have received a lot of positive feedback on how the women felt more confident after taking the class, and that’s so important when making the decision to defend yourself physically.”
R.A.D. courses have been offered at Fresno State for over 15 years and continue to help educate women about the importance of self-defense. Because the class includes techniques that require physical contact, it is important to provide a safe and comfortable environment for females to learn and practice in. Therefore, the only men allowed in the class are the instructors.
“I believe all women should go through this class, not just students. Knowing how to defend yourself and having the confidence to do so is invaluable,” Jennifer Curwick said. “This class is open to any woman over the age of 12. I’ve had girls from the age of 12 all the way up to 65 attend this class, including faculty, staff, students, and their friends and loved ones.”
R.A.D. classes will be held Dec. 2 to Dec. 4 and times will vary depending on the day. Although course enrollment is limited to women, the program is open to the general public. The enrollment fee is $15 and grants program graduates access to future R.A.D. classes for the rest of their life.
The course focuses on the four risks of personal safety: risk awareness, risk reduction strategies, risk recognition and risk avoidance. The class is a 12-hour course that is broken up into three days where participants will learn about self-defense through lectures, physical instruction and practice scenarios. Some topics that will be discussed include how to identify personal weapons, vulnerable locations on the body, the importance of defensive postures and the date rape mentality and patterns.
“Participants can expect to learn that they can take an active role in defending themselves by using both preventive measures in avoiding compromising situations and also, if necessary, physical defense, regardless of their strength, physical condition or stature,” Jennifer Curwick said.
Sgt. Curwick took the R.A.D. class when she was a student assistant for the University Police Department and immediately took interest in becoming an instructor. Curwick has instructed the course for nine years and says these classes are important because any woman can learn the techniques.
Fresno State student, and sgt. Curwick’s niece Breanne Curwick has taken the R.A.D. classes at Fresno State since she was 15 years old and says the feeling of empowerment is the most important technique a person will gain from the program.
“You don’t have to be young, fit or strong in order to be able to get out of harm’s way,” Breanne Curwick said. “The class teaches you how to not only avoid situations, but also how to think strategically and quickly about getting out of a situation if ever caught in one.”