RAD classes are actually ... fun?
“NO!!!”
The word echoes for a few seconds after the initial sound dies away. Whoever knew that Uni Gym was so wonderful acoustically? And no, no, no. No one’s being attacked or anything.
In fact, just the opposite. What I’m talking about are the RAD (Rape Agression Defense) classes that I took this past weekend at Uni Gym. Our instructor, Joan Fiesta, drummed it into our heads that the word “no!” can shock an attacker (I know I personally jumped out of my skin when she shouted it unexpectedly). Our goal is always to escape, not to beat the attacker into a pile of mush (although sometimes that would be nice).
RAD classes are offered to women for self-defense against sexual harrassment. You have to take four classes to complete the course, and it’s only $12. The final two sessions will be held this weekend, also in Uni Gym.
In addition to the actual physical defense, we were instructed in all aspects of self-defense: how to behave in elevators, for example. Joan also emphasized the point that all women were special, and that no one had the right to make us feel uncomfortable.
The RAD students are varied. There was me, of course, but also a teacher and her mother, four seniors, and two subfreshmen.
Of course, there were no boys. RAD techniques were developed for women attacked by men, and males would approach each other differently. In addition, the atmosphere was more relaxed than it would have been with boys present: Girls tend to understand each other better, and we could talk more openly. So sorry, guys.
During the first lesson, we learned how to get into different stances and how to block slaps. With everything that we learned, it was always accompanied by a loud “NO!” or “STAY BACK!” I started cracking up halfway through I admit it. But when Joan came at me, it felt great to be able to stop her and get away with relative ease.
I had to leave the Sunday session early, but we were supposed to have started on kicks. Funny as it sounds, I can’t wait for this Saturday. At first, I really didn’t want to do RAD. It sounded ridiculous. And it was from noon to 3 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday an entire six hours of my weekend wasted.
But in fact, the comfortable atmosphere and the people involved have made it an extremely fulfilling and enjoyable experience. In addition, the skills we are learning are undoubtedly useful. While I hope I never have to use them, it’s nice to know that I’m prepared.
— Michelle Gao