Self-defense course coming to Rimbey

It’s a sad but true fact women need to learn self-defense techniques so they can be prepared to defend themselves in the worst-case scenarios.

A self-defense course will be held Feb. 25 and 26 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Rimbey Community Centre. The Rape Aggression Defense (RAD) System course will be taught by bylaw officer Joe Croken.

The RAD system is a program of realistic self-defense tactics and techniques. The course begins with awareness, prevention, risk reduction and avoidance, and also teaches the basics of hands-on defensive training.

The system empowers women to make their own decisions regarding self-preservation and self-defense options.

RAD does not teach martial arts but is dedicated to teaching women defensive concepts and techniques which can be used against attackers using a variety of assault tactics.

Croken said RAD is an excellent self-defense course and the statistics regarding assaults against women are sobering. He noted 51 per cent of Canadian women experience sexual or physical incidents by the age of 16, and 20 per cent of women aged 18 to 24 have experienced violence in the past year.

One out of three women can expect be sexually assaulted in their lifetime, Croken said. The RAD system teaches women the basic principles of defense and helps them form an action plan in case of an attack.

“We are not making people martial arts (fighters),” he said. “We are just teaching them how to protect themselves.”

He encouraged mothers and daughters to take the course together as it helps create a bond.

He noted women need to look after themselves and be proactive regarding their safety.

“Who’s responsible for your safety?” he questioned. “You are.”