DPS and the Office of Residence Life in cooperation with the Women's Center, the Office of Social Equity and the Office of Organizational Development, offer personal safety and self defense training for all women, men and children at WCU.

The physical defense programs offered at West Chester University were developed by R.A.D. Systems, the National Standard in Self Defense Education™. R.A.D. Systems is the largest network of self defense instructors in the United States and Canada.

R.A.D. Systems teaches realistic self-defense tactics and techniques. R.A.D. Systems programs are comprehensive courses that begin with awareness, prevention, risk reduction, and risk avoidance, while progressing on to the basics of hands-on physical defense training. All R.A.D. Systems basic programs also provide a free lifetime return and practice policy for those who participate.

R.A.D. Systems programming has been offered on the WCU campus since 1993 and all self defense programs taught at the WCU campus are free to members of our campus community. In addition to the physical defense programs listed below, Instructors from DPS also provide 2 hour seminar presentations on personal safety and awareness for those who are interested in learning more about reducing their risk of victimization, but who may not be able to commit to the required time for a complete R.A.D. self defense course. For more information about self defense education at WCU contact Lt. Jon Brill at 610-436-3478.

WCU Self Defense Course Schedule
Register for a WCU R.A.D. Course

Physical Defense Programs for Women - Rape Aggression Defense

Radically changing defense for women™

R.A.D. Systems

BPD - Basic Physical Defense (9-12 hours)
The cornerstone of R.A.D. Systems, this course begins with awareness, prevention, risk reduction and risk avoidance, while progressing on to the basics of hands-on defense training. R.A.D. is not a Martial Arts program and is suitable for women of all ages and abilities. Classes range from a minimum of nine hours to twelve hours with simulation.

ASD - Advanced Self Defense (12-15 hours)
Builds on techniques and strategies from the Basic class and adds defenses against the edged weapon and firearm. This program also covers more prone defense strategies, multiple subject encounters and even low and diffused light simulation exercises. Classes range from a minimum of twelve hours to fifteen hours with simulation, for participants who have already completed the Basic Physical Defense Program.

ADO - Aerosol Defense Options (2 hours)
Using the proven R.A.D. Systems philosophy, A.D.O. destroys the myths and manufacturer hype about pepper spray effectiveness and even their ability to deter a Committed Focused Aggressor. Learn the most realistic methods for accessing, deploying and assisting the aerosol defense option; And if it fails to work (and it may), learn the proven backup strategies needed for successful escape. R.A.D. Systems has conducted over 300 video taped live test exposures to various aerosol products with a wide range of delivery systems. Stop believing a manufacturers selling hype, we know what works and what doesn't through hands on experience. Minimum of two hours for participants

KDO - Keychain Defense Options (3-4 hours)

Continuing to enhance the many options of self defense, the R.A.D. Keychain Defense Options course is one of the only realistic and court defenseable impact weapons programs available for the general public. Combining proven R.A.D. Physical Defense strategies with revolutionary impact weapons defense techniques makes this program a worthy addition to the R.A.D. System. Realistic employment, combat effectiveness, "light impact", fluid transitions and even simulation training exercises are all part of this program. This program revolves around the use of the Kubotan in conjuction with weapon-enhanced physical skills. "No flash and Trash" techniques here, only the best of the best! Minimum of (3) hours for participants, (4) hours with simulation.

Physical Defense Programs for Men - Resisting Aggression with Defense

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R.A.D. Systems

RFM- Basic Physical Defense (9-12 hours)
Resisting Aggression is a choice. You are responsible for how you respond to any event in your life. Your decisions contribute to your past, present and future. Only you can make the choice to transform your life by committing to resist aggression. By investing your time and effort into this program, you will be presented with educational options to resist aggression. You will be asked to raise your awareness of aggressive behavior, to recognize how aggressive behavior impacts your life, to take steps to avoid aggressive behavior, and to look at how you can be part of reducing aggression and violence. Unfortunately, in a small number of incidents, physical confrontation may be unavoidable. Our program also provides participants with realistic strategies for men forced into physical confrontation. Resisting Aggression with Defense is designed to empower men to make different decisions when confronted with aggressive behavior. This is the first step towards reducing aggression and violence for ourselves and the one's we love.

Physical Defense Programs for Children - Resisting Aggression Defensively

 radKIDS.org

radKIDS (10 hours)
Other safety programs give children general guidance rules, show videos or simply "talk" to the children. radKIDS is dedicated to providing our children with a hands-on, activity-based physical skill development program empowering our children with options, not fear. radKIDS provides our children with the instinctual options they need to recognize, avoid and if necessary respond to potential danger in their world today. radKIDS has always believed, and it is further proved by the NCMEC study, that the first few seconds of a potentially violent encounter are critical. When a child is approached or grabbed, the response needs to be immediate, instinctual and absolute.

Learn How to Become a R.A.D Systems Certified Instructor

Information on becoming an Instructor for R.A.D. Systems is available by going to the R.A.D. Systems web site, or contacting Staff Instructor Jon Brill.