Students gathered March 6 at the ASU Police Department Headquarters in Tempe for the final day of a free, three-day course focused on teaching women self-defense.
Jason Weber, the crime prevention programs manager, said the R.A.D. class, which stands for rape aggression defense, instructs participants on basic self-defense and situational awareness.
Over the course of the three days, Weber said students learn about different ways to keep themselves safe, such as carrying pepper spray or a whistle. They also get hands-on experience with self-defense techniques like striking and kicking.
On the final day, students run through possible scenarios to apply the defenses they learned with their instructors and are awarded a certificate for completing the class, which allows them to attend other R.A.D. classes for free.
The course also teaches students about situational awareness strategies, which Weber said are important for students concerned about safety on campus.
Weber said the ASU PD R.A.D. class is only for women, but there are versions for men as well. He said R.A.D. separates women and men in these classes to ensure comfort.
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ASU police officers undergo a 40-hour class to instruct the course, Weber said.
Tyler Blyleven, a patrol sergeant and instructor, said they learn the different defensive and attacking styles, and then how to teach them to participants.
He enjoys seeing participants grow their confidence and build community because of the course.
"It's good for anyone who's hesitant to put themselves out there," Blyleven said.
Weber said participants typically see an increase in their skill level after finishing the course.
Alongside building self-defense skills, Weber said he has seen students network and form friendships through the class.
Hailie Wilke, a senior studying microbiology, said she had participated in the course three times before attending the latest one. She continues to come back to refresh her skills and engage with the community.
Wilke, who is interested in law enforcement, said she has worked with instructors outside of the course to host an event on criminal justice.
She said she hopes to see the course become more popular and advised hesitant students to participate in spite of nerves.
"You're in a community of good people," Wilke said. "You just have to put yourself out there and do it."
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Weber said he recommends students engage with ASU law enforcement through community safety events like Coffee with a Cop, and download the LiveSafe app, which has safety features such as the option to walk on campus with a police officer or member of the student government.
"It just gives you just a little bit more awareness," Weber said. "Don't be afraid to use it."
Weber said while they typically hold two R.A.D. classes a semester, no date has been set for a second class. Anyone can sign up for the course, regardless of whether they attend the University or not.
Edited by Carsten Oyer, Henry Smardo and Sophia Braccio.
Reach the reporter at alillest@asu.edu and follow @allylillestol on X.
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Allison Lillestol is a reporter for the community and culture desk. She is in her 4th semester with the State Press. She also works for Arizona PBS.
