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Rape Aggression Defense (RAD)

Self-Defense Education 

Could you effectively defend yourself if attacked?

  • 1 out of every 4 college women polled was sexually assaulted during four years at college. (Ms. Magazine Study on Sexual Assault and Rape)
  • Between 1973 and 1987, over 2.3 million women reported sexual assaults in the United States; 71% of these victims avoided being raped by taking self-protective measures. (United States Dept. of Justice, Bureau of Justice Statistics)
RAD_logo

Develop your options

In 1988, rape victims took self-protective measures in 86.7% of the cases. "Rape victims were more likely to defend themselves than assault or robbery victims." (Criminal Victimization in the United States, 1988)

Don't be victimized by fear

"In fact, the most often used strategy for avoiders (of rape) appears to have been a combination of screaming and use of physical resistance." (Bart, P. & O'Brien, P. (1985). Stopping Rape: Successful Survival Strategies. Pergamon Press, New York.)

What is the RAD System?

The Rape Aggression Defense, or RAD, System is a program of realistic, self-defense tactics and techniques. The RAD System is a comprehensive course for women that begins with awareness, prevention, risk reduction and avoidance. We then progress to the basics of hands-on defense training. RAD is not a martial arts program. Our courses are taught by certified RAD Instructors and provide you with a workbook and reference manual. This manual outlines the entire Physical Defense Program. 

The RAD System is currently being taught at many colleges and universities. The growing, wide-spread acceptance of this system is primarily due to the ease, simplicity and effectiveness of our tactics, along with solid research, legal defensibility and unique teaching methodology. The RAD System is dedicated to teaching women defensive concepts and techniques against various types of assault, by utilizing easy, effective and proven self-defense/martial arts tactics. Our system of realistic defense will provide a woman with the knowledge to make an educated decision about resistance. 

Research supports the premise that a spontaneous violent attack will stimulate the victim's natural desire to resist. We educate women about "Flight or Fight Syndrome", while showing them that enhancing their option of physical defense is not only prudent, but a necessity if natural resistance is to be effective. Safety and survival in today's world requires a definite course of action. We provide effective options by teaching women to take an active role in their own self-defense and psychological well being.

RAD Courses

Physical defense

Aerosol defense

Advanced self-defense

Instructors' programs

Cutting Edge Training

10 Reasons why RAD systems is on the cutting edge of self-defense training:

  • Has established the standard for female self-defense programs
  • Offers no-nonsense, practical techniques of defense
  • Researched the effects of "The Fight or Flight Syndrome"
  • Offers advanced self-defense courses that build upon the physical defense
  • Provides realistic and dynamic hands on training
  • Certifies instructors from the community
  • Has a litigation defense policy
  • Offers state of the art programs at reasonable rates
  • Every student receives a lifetime membership policy
Rad training

Self-Defense Course for Women

Come join the largest women's self-defense system in the country!

Our Basic Self-Defense course for women is now offered through the regular SUNY Oswego class catalogue under the name Self-Defense for Women PED 137 (Physical Education Department). The classes run for eight weeks and are 16 hours total time. We offer them on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Please register via the SUNY class registry. If you get bumped from the class because it is overfull please contact us and we will try to find a space for you.

Contact: Lt. Dave Miller   
[email protected]  
315.312.5555 
SUNY Oswego 
University Police 

All students receive a lifetime free return and practice policy. 

University Police

Pathfinder Hall 
SUNY Oswego 
Oswego, NY 13126 

GPS coordinates:
43.450660, -76.547837

Contact Us

Phone: 315-312-5555

Email: [email protected]

Emergency Numbers

Campus ambulance: 315-312-5555
Emergency: 911
Oswego City Police: 911
Oswego County Sheriff's Department: 911