The Department of Special Services within the Division of Public Safety offers free-of-charge RAD classes with the generous support of the Trustees' Council of Penn Women (TCPW), whose commitment and dedication to the safety and well-being of the Penn women's community enhances the quality of life for ALL members of the Penn community.

Download the Fall 2009 Schedule

Download the Spring 2010 Schedule

The Rape Aggression Defense System is a program of realistic, self-defense tactics and techniques. The RAD System is a comprehensive course for women which begins with awareness, prevention, risk reduction and avoidance, and progresses 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/reference manual. This manual outlines the entire physical defense program for reference and continuous personal growth. The RAD system of physical defense is currently being taught at many colleges and universities across the nation. The growing, wide-spread acceptance of this system is primarily due to the ease, simplicity and effectiveness of our tactics, solid research, legal defensibility and unique teaching methodology. Our system of realistic defense will provide a woman with the knowledge to make an educated decision about resistance.

We operate on the premise that a spontaneous violent attack will stimulate a natural desire to resist, on the part of the victim (supported by research). We educate women about "The Flight or Fight Syndrome", while showing them that enhancing their options of physical defense is not only prudent, but necessary, if natural resistance is to be effective. We provide these effective options by teaching women to take an active role in their own self-defense and psychological well-being.

Ten Reasons Why RAD System 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 system.
• Provides realistic and dynamic hands-on training.
• Provides students with a comprehensive Reference Manual.
• Certified 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.

New!- R.A.D For Men

Resisting Aggression with Defense was developed by R.A.D. Systems in 2001. This course also has its foundations in education and awareness. The course includes lecture, discussion and self defense techniques, suitable for men of all ages and abilities. Classes range from nine to twelve hours in length, depending on the Instructor.

RAD classes for men are available be appointment only. Contact the Department of Special Services at 215.898.4484 or sdever@publicsafety.upenn.edu to schedule a class or request more information.

For more information, contact Susan Dever, Support Specialist, Department of Special Services at 215.898.4484 or sdever@publicsafety.upenn.edu.