The Rochester Police Department is offering Tri-Town women the chance to learn valuable self-defense techniques that will build confidence and help them feel empowered to protect themselves.
The R.A.D. (Rape Aggression Defense) System of Self Defense was designed to promote education and awareness through lecture, discussion, and physical instruction of self-defense techniques.
And, despite the seriousness of the topic of rape defense, the course taught by Sergeant Robert Small and Officer Alyson Rego can offer something a bit unexpected, says Sgt. Small– like a fun time, indeed.
Who should take this course, you might ask? According to Small, YOU should.
“Anyone who is essentially looking to keep yourself from being in a position of defenselessness,” said Small.
This particular course is open to women only, offering general safety tips and the opportunity to actually physically practice defensive tactics like punches, elbow strikes, and kicks against a real “perpetrator.” But don’t get too nervous, said Small, because the “bad guy” will be wearing a padded suit, and you will have the support and guidance of the instructors and the entire class as well.
“I love the course,” Small stated. “A lot of women really come in and don’t expect to do as well.” He said some students in the past had been timid or hesitant, but eventually emerged confident by the time the course was completed.
“Everybody has generally been really glad they did it,” said Small, adding that he has mostly received positive responses from students. “It’s really great to see…. And once they realize they can actually be effective, they get a lot of self-confidence from that.”
Officer Rego recently received her R.A.D. Instructor certification and will be instructing the course for the first time, while Small – a seasoned R.A.D. instructor – will be on-hand for assistance throughout the course.
“I love this class, I really do get fired up over it,” said Small. “It’s a lot of fun and they’re going to feel a lot better about themselves once they do it.”
If you are interested, act fast because space is limited and a number of women have already signed up. But do not fret, said Small, because if the community shows enough interest, the Rochester Police Department will organize another R.A.D. course to follow soon.
The classes are held at Old Colony Regional Vocational Technical High School at 476 North Avenue in Rochester. The class runs Thursday, January 8 from 6:00 – 9:00 pm; Thursday, January 15 from 6:00 – 9:00 pm; and Saturday, January 17 from 9:00 am – 12:00 pm and then reconvening from 1:00 – 4:00 pm.
Prospective students must commit to attending all three days. And get this – the class is given entirely for free, at no charge to students.
There are a few ways to register. You can contact Rochester Police Department Administrative Assistant Suzanne Maksy at 508-763-5112 (ext. 109) Monday through Thursday from 9:30 am to 2:30 pm, or email Sergeant Robert Small or Officer Alyson Rego at rsmall@townofrochester.com or arego@townofrochester.com, respectively.
By Jean Perry
