Free Rape Aggression Defense Class Offered for Women

Women are invited to participate in a free Rape Aggression Defense Class instructed by Sevierville police officers.

The purpose of the Rape Aggression Defense Class, also known as the R.A.D. Class, is for women to develop and enhance self-defense options, so that they may become viable considerations to a woman if she is attacked. The program is a woman only course of realistic self-defense tactics and techniques, beginning with awareness, prevention, risk reduction and risk avoidance, and then progressing to the basics of hands-on defense training. It is not a martial arts program.

This free 12-hour class is designed to help women fight smarter not harder. Students will learn 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.

Nationally certified R.A.D. instructors SPD Sgt. Rebecca Cowan and Lt. David Finchum of the Sevierville Police Department will teach the class.

The class is broken into four segments and participants must attend each class date. Classes will be held 6–9 p.m. on May 3, 10, 17 and 24, 2016 at the Sevierville Civic Center, 200 Gary Wade Boulevard in Sevierville.

Participation is open to women and girls 13-years-old and older, regardless of size, strength or ability.

Class space is limited to the first 20 women who register by email to rcowan@seviervilletn.org or by calling 865-868-1834.