What to look for in an appropriate self defense class:

• Is at least one instructor a woman? This may not be too important for someone who has some experience in taking self defense classes, but it can be extremely important for a women who is just beginning instruction in resistance. If the instructor is male and has a macho attitude, this gives the wrong message to women: that only men are capable to defending themselves against male violence.
• If there is an instructor pair, how do the two relate to one another? Are they equal partners, or does one dominate? A coed pair of instructors can be wonderful models of how men and women can relate to one another, but if that relationship is imbalanced toward the man, beware of the message he is conveying.
• How does the instructor relate to the students? Does the instructor treat students with respect and model appropriate behavior?
• Is the class overly large with a high teacher/student ratio? This may mean that each student does not receive adequate attention and can be a safety hazard as well.
• Is the instructor trained in sexual assault crisis intervention? All self defense classes have survivors in them. If the instructor is unaware of the local sexual assault center, or has no relationship with it, question the instructor's motives in teaching women self defense.
• Is the philosophy of the course to empower women and to teach techniques that can be used by any woman, regardless of physical ability? Is there a sense of fun in the class? There's no need for fancy or advanced martial arts techniques for self defense.
• Is there talking time? Can students ask questions and discuss their concerns in a safe environment?

Local Rape Aggression Defence classes. Have a good time!

• The Sexual Assault Resource Agency (SARA) lists information on local Rape Aggression Defense (R.A.D.) classes: www.sexualassaultresources.org/rad.html
• The the main web page for the National R.A.D. program is www.rad-systems.com/, and information on local Charlottesville instructors is available at www.radself-defense.8m.net
• The University of Virginia Police Department also lists R.A.D. classes on its resources page: www.virginia.edu/uvapolice/resources.htm
• The UVa Police Dept. schedules classes regularly (male and female instructors): 434-924-8845
• UVa Women's Center/SDVS offers courses periodically. Call 434-982-2774 for information.