Discussion List for campus-based and allied personnel working to end gender-based violence on campus.

["Kaplan, Claire (cnk2r)" <>]

Hi Dominic,

I have been a self-defense instructor, certified by the Southern California Rape Hotline Alliance in the late 80's and RAD Systems in the 90's.  While it's true that the basic SD program for RAD does put some emphasis on stranger situations (a weakness that I will agree is a problem), the creators of RAD have made many changes to the curriculum, including addressing acquaintance assault, and are quite flexible about allowing instructors leeway to make changes to the curriculum, as long as they approve it.  We offer a feminist-flavored version of RAD, including much more talk time to give survivors an opportunity to debrief, more assertiveness training, vetting situations that are the most common, and yes, plenty of physical defense.  While it might be true that most women might not need to use physical defense, RAD's philosophy is that what they teach are additional options. No one is mandated to use any particular technique.  As someone who has taught self-defense for years as part of the movement, I have found that physical defense training is a fabulous way to strengthen one's resolve, self-confidence, and voice.  I tell my students that learning physical self-defense is  great way to claim one's space and truly believe that you have the right to stop anyone who intends to hurt you—even so-called friends.  Having that knowledge makes it easier to engage in the little daily acts of resistance that we all must do.

I am one for learning everything and anything that makes you feel stronger.  The more you learn, the more tools you have if you need them.  If you are thinking of having someone go through their instructor training, make sure that you also consult with Peace Over Violence for advice regarding modifications to the program.  They have a self-defense program, and Patti Giggans, the ED (and founder of KarateWomen Dojo), has trained many a self-defense instructor—including me.

I would also caution that this is not primary prevention.  I wish every woman learned self-defense (regardless of physical ability).  But where we need to put most of our resources is in primary prevention, including bystander responses.  

Best,

Claire

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"I hope we shall take warning of our monied corporations which dare already to challenge our government to a trial of strength and bid defiance to the laws of our country."  T. Jefferson, 1816

Claire Kaplan, Ph.D.

Director, Sexual & Domestic Violence Services

UVA Women's Center

(434) 982-2774 Voice

(434) 982-2901 Fax

From: Dominic Alletto <>
Date: Tuesday, October 30, 2012 5:03 PM
To: "" <>
Subject: RAD Self Defense Program

Does anyone have experience working with RAD self defense systems http://www.rad-systems.com/ ? I would appreciate your thoughts regarding the program.

Best

Dom

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Dominic Alletto

Assistant Director of Intercultural Affairs
Intercultural Community Center

Center for Gender Equity-Project SAFE
Occidental College
P (323) 259 2525
F (323) 550 1961