#7 Take a self-defense class... kind of

Last month, after years and years of hearing about it, and putting it off (for time considerations, but mostly and admittedly pure intimidation), at the prodding of my friend and colleague, I signed up for a RAD self-defense class.

As their website (http://www.rad-systems.com/) says,

“The Rape Aggression Defense System is a program of realistic self-defense tactics and techniques for women. The R.A.D. System is a comprehensive, women-only course that begins with awareness, prevention, risk reduction and risk avoidance, while progressing on to the basics of hands-on defense training. R.A.D. is not a Martial Arts program. Our courses are taught by nationally certified R.A.D. Instructors and provide each student with a workbook/reference manual. This manual outlines the entire Physical Defense Program for reference and continuous personal growth, and is the key to our free lifetime return and practice policy for R.A.D. graduates.”

Unfortunately, before I could learn to kick some ass (only to protect myself, of course), summer kicked my ass. Or, my foot’s ass to be more accurate. At the end of the summer ago my foot started bothering me, and I can only think to attribute it to wearing flats and sandals for months. So, I wasn’t able to participate in more than half of the lessons, but since showing up is half the battle, I attended each class session and learned a lot from watching. I really loved the format of the instructions, which ends with a simulation on the last day (check out some of these video clips.

I’m planning to sign up for a later session once my foot is feeling better, and to finally kick some butt

I still got a whistle even though I didn't finish!

If you’re an American University student, staff, faculty, or alum, you can sign up for RAD at AU. AU also has specialized RAD training for men. Check RAD’s website for trainings in other locations.