Reading, writing … and self-defense
August 28, 2009 by Geneva ReidPosted in: Academics, Campus Safety, In this week's e-newsletter, Latest News & Views
For a growing number of students, knowing how to handle yourself in the case of robbery or assault will not only keep you safe – it may get you a couple of credits.
At least 1,200 colleges throughout the country now offer a self-defense curriculum: the Rape Aggression Defense (RAD) Systems program.
The program has been around for 20 years, teaching students basic moves – wrist grabs, for example – as well as how to make the right choices about where a student might be going, and who they’re going with.
Not all self-defense courses are for credit – some are simply for students who want to feel safer.
The big advantage of self-defense classes is making students more aware of their surroundings, according to experts.
And not surprisingly, these classes are very popular with women (although also men take them), and at schools located in big cities.
At Temple University in Philadelphia, Michelle Harmon teaches self-defense as part of the RAD program. In an interview with U.S. News & World Report, Harmon said she tells her students: It’s one thing to be confident, but students have to have the skills to back up the confidence – otherwise, it’s just an attitude.
In the comments section below, let us know if your school offers self-defense classes – and if you do, how successful are they?
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September 2nd, 2009 at 12:00 pm
I helped teach a self defense course for women when I was younger and it definately makes a difference in both self confidence and thinking before doing something that puts yourself into a dangerous situation. I believe everyone should take a course in self-defense.
September 2nd, 2009 at 3:34 pm
College women are at highest risk for sexual assault, with probably about 20% facing attempted or completed rape during their time in school. However, many college women believe it won’t happen to them. Self-defense should not only be offered, it should be a requirement.
While RAD is one program offered on some campuses, it is not the only one. There are great programs offered for credit in some of the City University of New York schools, at Mills College in the Bay Area, and in Eugene Oregon. I have taught short continuing ed classes at the University of Washington for many years, and these programs make a HUGE positive difference in the quality of the participants.
February 17th, 2010 at 1:12 pm
I took and later assisted the instructors in the self-defense class offered at Old Dominion University. It is taught by a martial arts instructor and is part of the PE department and can also be taken as a not-for-credit class through the community outreach program (or that’s how it was when I was there). I think it is very valuable to learn how to be hit and to defend oneself from being hit, something women usually don’t have much experience with. One class will not teach you to be an expert but if it increases your awareness or your reaction time or you remember one self-defense technique, it can save your life.