OSUPD offers self-defense course for women

Monday, March 9, 2020

The Oklahoma State University Police Department is offering a basic physical self-defense training course for women in March. The Rape Aggression Defense System teaches realistic self-defense tactics and techniques. Classes will be held in the OSU Colvin Center, room MP2. Classes are scheduled from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. March 23, 26, 30 and April 2. 

Lt. Leah Storm, one of four officers teaching the classes, has been a nationally certified RAD instructor since 2009. She said 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. “Everyone in this course will learn that she has a voice and will be heard, all while having fun learning basic fundamentals. These principals can be used for all types of crisis events and are general safety measures for day-to-day activities. It’s much more than just personal self-defense.”

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. 

“It’s wonderful to witness the moment when a participant realizes she has the ability to analyze the situation, develop a plan, incapacitate an aggressor and get to safety,” Storm said.

Space is limited. The cost is $30 for new attendees, 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 SPO Zac Cook at zwcook@okstate.edu or by calling 405-744-6523. 

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