OSUPD offers self-defense course for women

Wednesday, August 14, 2019

The Oklahoma State University Police Department is offering a basic physical self-defense training course for women in September. Rape Aggression Defense Systems teaches realistic self-defense tactics and techniques. 
Sgt. Leah Storm, one of four officers teaching the classes, has been a nationally certified RAD instructor since 2009. The course begins with instruction in awareness, prevention, risk reduction and avoidance. It moves on to the basics of hands-on self defense training.
“This course is empowering,” Storm said. “Each participant will learn she has a voice and will be heard, all while having fun learning basic fundamentals. These apply to so much more than just personal self-defense. They can be used for all types of crisis events and general safety measures for day-to-day activities.” 
Storm said her favorite part of the course is the final lesson when participants get to use the skills they’ve learned and practice on the instructors who wear padded suits for protection. 
“You can see it click in the participants as they realize they do have the ability to analyze the situation, develop a plan, incapacitate an aggressor and get to safety,” Storm said.
Classes will be held on the second floor of the Wesley Foundation, 823 W. University Ave. Classes are scheduled from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Sept. 9-10 and Sept. 16-17. 
Space is limited. The cost is $30, payable on the first night of class. Anyone who attends all four nights is automatically qualified to retake the class anywhere in the U.S. and Canada for free for life. Enroll by emailing gortonj@okstate.edu or calling 405-744-4229. 

MEDIA CONTACT: Shannon G. Rigsby | Public Information Officer | 405-744-9081 | shannon.rigsby@okstate.edu