Community Health & Wellness Police & Fire

R.A.D. self-defense classes helps women ‘establish their power and control’

Posted on October 24th, 2024 By: Marsha Hart

Some of the women who recently finished a R.A.D. (Rape, Aggression, Defense) self-defense training program in Gig Harbor have experienced some type of assault.

One of them, who wished to remain anonymous, said that although she is an athlete, she wanted to take the class to learn how to protect herself.

“I’m in therapy for PTSD,” she said. “The first day of this class they had us yell, ‘No!’ and I wanted to cry. It makes me feel more in control emotionally. I think after the first class I felt more confident.”

The women said they’re taking back their power and are better prepared to thwart an attack after taking the class. Confidence, empowerment, safety, and the ability to defend against an attacker are the main goals of the R.A.D. (The full name of the class is R.A.D. For Women Personal Empowerment, Safety, Education and Self Defense Training Program).

The latest class, hosted by the Gig Harbor Police Department and R.A.D. instructors Jim and Sandra Baylor, wrapped up at the Gig Harbor Civic Center on Oct. 18.

R.A.D. instructors

The Baylors have been R.A.D. certified instructors for more than 25 years. They offer the classes for free, usually with a wait list. The most recent class included 17 women ranging in age from 17 to 80.

R.A.D. began in 1989. Universities and law enforcement agencies across the country now offer it. More than 11,000 instructors teach courses.

Jim and Sandra met when they both worked at Rice University in Houston, Jim in the campus police department and Sandra in administration. Jim said he got involved in R.A.D. after his boss proposed offering the program to all of the women at the university.

Dana Jones watches Jim and Sandra Baylor demonstrate a defensive move during the R.A.D. For Women Personal Empowerment, Safety Education and Self Defense Training Program. Photo by Marsha Hart

Jim became a certified instructor and began teaching the classes. Sandra took the class, which she said not only gave her the knowledge to defend herself but ignited a passion to become an instructor.

The two eventually married and began teaching the classes together. They moved to the area in 2013, bringing their R.A.D. equipment and expertise, and partnered with the GHPD in 2019.

“Sexual assault is about power and control,” Jim said. “The focus of the program is to help women establish their power and control. Only certified instructors are allowed to be in the room with students. No men are allowed to observe.”

Only for women

Women who take the class must agree to never share what they learn with any men, no matter what the relationship may be, Jim said. R.A.D. classes specifically for men are available, as well as a R.A.D. Kids class. But this class is for women.

“One in six women and one in 33 men will have experienced an attempted or completed rape in their lifetime,” Sandra said. “I have seen firsthand the women who have taken our class being empowered, and have shaped new lives for themselves.

“I want to be sure that every woman who completes the course walks away feeling better about herself, more knowledgeable about the reality of violence and the self-assuredness that she can survive. We are worth respect, and we are worth defending ourselves.”

Tiffany Merkey and Mary Fuller-Fairbanks practice a technique during the final class of the R.A.D. For Women Personal Empowerment, Safety Education and Self Defense Training Program at the Gig Harbor Civic Center. The class was a partnership between Jim and Sandra Baylor, certified instructors of the program, and the Gig Harbor Police Department. Photo by Marsha Hart

‘You can always defend yourself’

The women said they feel that they’re taking back their power and are better prepared to thwart an attack.

“It’s fabulous, and empowering,” said Dana Jones. “My daughter was grabbed while running in her community, and luckily she was able to get away. I always thought if I had the opportunity to do something like this that I would. You feel like you can defend yourself.”

Jen Smith, 54, said her friend Mary Fuller-Fairbanks, who is in her early 70s, talked her into taking the class together.

“In my head I envisioned a bunch of young women, but it’s a mix of all ages,” Smith said. “My self-esteem is better now after getting some of this down. I’ve told some friends who hesitated, and told them it’s easier once you do it. I’ve had at least three girlfriends this week say they want to take the next one.”

Students who graduate from the course can return to practice any time, anywhere in the country, Jim said. Fuller-Fairbanks said that she plans to do so.

Tiffany Merkey said the class was on her wish list for a while, but this was the first time she could make it work with her schedule.

“You watch some who think they’re too weak to do it, and see them doing it. We’re not helpless,” Merkey said.

More R.A.D. classes in spring

As a health care professional, Emma Broussard has endured some negative experiences with patients. While working as a nurse in a hospital in Texas, she met patients who were aggressive or inappropriate. She said she tends to freeze in those situations.

“I feel more confident in being able to defend myself,” said Broussard, who now works in Gig Harbor as a geriatric nurse practitioner. “I know what to do, and I like that the instructors are my parents’ age. There’s no pressure.”

The Baylors plan to offer another training in the spring, though they haven’t set the dates. The training includes four classes, each 3 1/2 hours.

For more information on R.A.D., visit rad-systems.com.

Students of the R.A.D. For Women Personal Empowerment, Safety Education and Self Defense Training Program listen as instructors Jim and Sandra Baylor explain techniques. Photo by Marsha Hart