As a high school student, you probably do not think about the possibility of being in violent situations often. However, preparing for self-defense and personal safety is crucial, and one of the best ways to equip yourself with these skills is by taking RAD.
RAD stands for Rape Aggression Defense, and it’s a nationally recognized self-defense program designed for women. The class uses classroom lessons and physical training to teach students how to defend themselves in threatening situations. At Metea, the class is taught by teachers who are all RAD-certified: Meghan Flannagan, Jenny Oas, and Ashley Abruscato.
The RAD class is available to juniors and seniors at Metea. It’s worth 0.5 PE credits and will help you learn vital self-defense skills. The class is limited to 24 students per session to ensure that everyone can practice the techniques safely and receive personalized instruction.
“We’re super excited,” Flannagan said. “We’re very passionate about [the second semester running of RAD].”
For the first part of the semester, students spend three days a week learning about safety, empowerment, and self-defense strategies. On the other two days, they engage in light activities like yoga to promote wellness and mindfulness. During the second half of the semester, the focus shifts to physical self-defense skills. Students get to practice the techniques they’ve learned using RAD pads (human-shaped dummies) to simulate real-life scenarios.
“Rad was a really fun-going class,” junior Tanya Mehreen Asif Iqbal said. “My schedule was pretty tedious last semester, so having a chill class like RAD was really good for my mental health.”
Additionally, community guest speakers provide students with valuable resources and support. The class will invite sexual assault nurse examiners. These guest sessions help students understand how to access help in emergencies and how to support others who might be in need.
RAD focuses on easy-to-learn techniques that can be used in a variety of situations. Students practice breaking free from holds and employing strategic moves to defend themselves. The RAD pads help students feel the power of their strikes, making them more confident in their abilities.
The class also emphasizes female empowerment. It focuses on self-love and mental preparation, delving into topics like healthy relationships, self-esteem, and risk-reduction strategies.
Designed to be practical and real-world focused, students learn about everyday risks, such as walking alone at night, and how to avoid/respond to those dangers.
One of the standout features of the RAD class is its supportive classroom culture. It’s a place where students can be vulnerable, ask questions, and share experiences without fear of judgment. Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or have never taken a fitness class, the RAD environment is welcoming and conducive to learning. The feedback from students who have taken the class has been overwhelmingly positive, with many saying they gained new confidence and a better sense of self-awareness.
“The class was pretty fun, especially the second half,” junior Nicole Refugio said. “I really like the self-defense part.”
If you are interested in enrolling in RAD in the upcoming school year, register through the course scheduling process and talk to either the advisors or your counselor for any questions.
