With four large male figures poised to attack, Kristen M. yelled out “No, No, No!” and kicked as hard as she could to fend them off. After about 30 seconds and breaking through a few physical restraints, she fought them off and ran to a safe zone.
The exercise was not true to life but part of R.A.D. training that took place at the Barrington Congregational Church UCC late last month.
The R.A.D. Systems (Rape Aggression Defense) of Self Defense is a program for not only women, but children, men and senior citizens, and offers a holistic approach to self-defense education, supporting the necessity of continuous learning in order to provide realistic options as they go through life.
The program includes educational components comprised of lecture, discussion, and physical resistive strategies, all of which are facilitated by certified R.A.D. instructors.
Joanne Waite, Rhode Island State Director for R.A.D.,  said she teaches the program throughout the year and this session was geared toward women and young ladies, many of whom are going off to college in the fall.
There were 15 female students in the class that took place over four evenings. The cost for the program varies, but can range from no charge to a maximum of $20, depending on printing costs associated with hand-outs.
Kristen M. is a Barrington mother of small children who often jogs or rides her bike on the bike path alone and wanted to take the class to learn the skills to fend off a potential attacker.
“I heard about the training and thought it would be helpful since I go out to exercise by myself," she said. "This has empowered me to know how to react in the event of a situation where I need to defend myself."
On the final night of the program, she and her classmates practiced how to defend themselves in three scenarios: walking through a parking lot; standing at an ATM machine; and sitting at a bus stop. 

They kicked, they blocked, they punched, they elbowed, they screamed at their aggressors. The aggressors, police officers from various agencies, were heavily padded.
Everyone learned some realistic self-defense tactics and techniques that can be used effectively to ward off rape attempt.
The participants ranged in age from 13 to mid-60’s, including a group of teens from Johnston.
Mike B. brought five girls to the training, including his two daughters.
“My older daughter just graduated from high school and is going to spend a post-graduate year in New York. I wanted her to know what to do if she was ever in a sticky situation,” he said.
“They taught us some techniques and tips to be aware of your surroundings, like don’t wear headphones if alone in a public area and don’t look at your phone so intensely that you are unaware of what’s going on around you,” Sara B. said.
Christine K. participated and as one of the older ladies in the class, kept up with the younger ones. 

“It is very physical but I am in pretty good shape and do yoga. This has been beneficial and the more you know how to defend yourself, the better,” she said.
Although R.A.D. involves hands-on defense, it is not a martial art. It is simply an aggressive physical defense system that helps people escape from rapists or other aggressors.
In the near future, police officers at the Community College of Rhode Island will offer the program as part of their orientation curriculum.
CCRI police officer Lori Edmonds said she and co-officer Tony Angelino are getting certified to teach the RAD course.
“We see the need for this type of training on our campus and will include it in orientation. We want our students and staff to be safe and this training will be beneficial,” Officer Edmonds said.
According to the R.A.D. website, the mission of the R.A.D. Systems is to establish an accessible, constantly improving and internationally respected alliance of dedicated instructors. These Instructors in turn, will provide educational opportunities for women, children, men and seniors to create a safer future for themselves. In doing this, they challenge society to evolve into an existence where violence is not an acceptable part of daily life.
Ms. Waite said she offers the program numerous times over the course of the year. To sign up for a session, go to the R.A.D. website at www.rad-systems.com.

Editor's note: R.A.D. does not allow the usage of the full names of participants for their protection.