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 self defense education organization 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 risk awareness, risk recognition, 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 also provide 1-2 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 the Department of Public Safety at 610-436-3478 or click on the instructors names below to send an Email.

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

Women's Basic Physical Defense Courses for Fall 2009

Course 2009-5 and 2009-6 are nine hours of defense training conducted over six sessions. Participants are encouraged to attend all six sessions.

Course 2009-5

This course has been cancelled

Course 2009-6

This course will be held on Thursday afternoons as follows

A simulation exercise for women who have completed a RAD Basic Physical Defense course and who wish to participate, will be offered on:

Friday November 6th from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm.

Course 2009-7

This Basic Physical Defense Course for Women is 12 hours of training conducted over a weekend. This course includes a simulation exercise on the afternoon of November 15th for those who have attended both days and who wish to participate in the exercise.

Men's Basic Physical Defense Courses for Fall 2009

Course 2009-8

This Basic Physical Defense Course for men is 12 hours of training conducted over a weekend. This course includes a simulation exercise on the afternoon of December 6th for those who have attended both days and who wish to participate in the exercise.

Physical Defense Programs for Women - Rape Aggression Defense

R.A.D. Systems

BPD - Basic Physical Defense (9-12 hours)
The cornerstone of R.A.D. Systems programming, this system of realistic defense will provide a woman with the knowledge to make an educated decision about resistance. R.A.D. Systems operates on the premise that a spontaneous violent attack will stimulate a natural desire to resist, on the part of the victim (supported by research). This course will educate women aboutRisk Reduction Strategies and the "Fight or Flight 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. Partipcipants will learn about personal weapons, vulnerable locations postures in conflict and the many options they have available to employ if engaged in an aggressive encounter.

ASD - Advanced Self Defense (12-15 hours)
This system builds on techniques and strategies from the Basic Physical Defense 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. This class is for participants who have already completed the Basic Physical Defense course.

ADO - Aerosol Defense Options (2-3 hours)
Using the proven R.A.D. Systems philosophy, this system 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.

KDO - Keychain Defense Options (3-4 hours)

Continuing to enhance the many options of self defense, this system 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.

Physical Defense Programs for Men - Resisting Aggression with Defense

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R.A.D. Systems

RFM- Basic Physical Defense for Men (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 system, 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 those we love.

Physical Defense Programs for Seniors - Resisting Aggression Defensively

RFS- Basic Physical Defense for Seniors (15 hours)
This system combines risk reduction measures with physical skills that are presented in a manner specifically tailored for the needs and abilities of those over 65 years of age. RAD for Seniors addresses the unique issues that are faced by seniors including scams and criminal ploys.

 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.

This instinctual response can be "taught" and enhanced through individual demonstration, training and practice. radKIDS is dedicated to providing communities and families the tools they need to teach and empower your children with realistic options in their own personal safety.

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.