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The self-defense training course focuses on teaching women realistic physical techniques to defend against sexual assault. The course will be taught by certified R.A.D. instructors and students will receive a training manual. There is a $20 enrollment fee (with discounts available for groups of 3 or more) payable at the first session, and $10 will be refunded upon completion of the course.

According to Beth Capo, Illinois College professor and certified R.A.D. instructor, the course covers awareness, prevention, risk reduction and avoidance with an emphasis on the basics of hands-on defense training. 

“This course offers a practical, hand-on approach to self-defense,” Capo said. “Two and a half sessions are entirely devoted to defense techniques ― blocking, striking, kicking, escaping from wrist grabs and bear hugs, ground defense, etc. The final meeting is a simulation putting those newly learned techniques into practice against several ‘attackers’ in a mock attack.”

The R.A.D. System of physical defense is currently taught at many colleges and universities across the country. It is the largest network of its kind with over 7,000 instructors teaching at colleges, universities, law enforcement agencies and community organizations internationally. 
R.A.D. is endorsed by the International Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators and has a lifetime return policy. After completing R.A.D. training once, the course can be taken again to refresh self-defense skills free of charge.

Women and girls 12 or older who are interested in the course are required to pre-register by contacting Beth Capo at 217-245-3346 or bcapo@ic.edu. The class will not run with fewer than 10 women registered by the deadline on October 19.

The Illinois College R.A.D. program is supported by a Walmart Community Grant and Illinois College Student Forum.