Dear Reader,

The Rape Aggression Defense system, or R.A.D., is a comprehensive course that instructs women in self-defense techniques and tactics for the real world. Available throughout the United States and Canada, R.A.D. programs teach women of all ages and abilities the skills and knowledge they would need to protect themselves if they were to find themselves in a situation that could lead to assault or violence. Educational, interactive, and participatory, the topics covered include awareness and prevention basics, risk reduction and risk avoidance preparation, and hands-on training in self-defense. R.A.D. program schedules and fees vary by type of course. For more information, or to find a R.A.D. course near you, check the R.A.D. web site.

Although some universities and colleges offer R.A.D. programs on their campuses, Columbia University does not, nor are there any in the New York City region at this time. However, Columbia does have a five-week, low-cost self-defense workshop series limited to women members of the Columbia community. Sponsored by the Rape Crisis/Anti-Violence Support Center (RC/AVSC), Columbia Security, and the Office of Sexual Misconduct Prevention and Education (OSPME), these series are being taught by a certified instructor from the Center for Anti-Violence Education (C.A.E.). C.A.E. is a community-based, non-profit organization that focuses on violence prevention programming for children, teen women, and women. C.A.E.'s agenda includes skill building in the martial arts, as well as self-defense, healing from past violence or abuse, and activism. To sign-up for the on-campus workshop, or to get more information about the program and/or future offerings, call the RC/AVSC at x4-4366. If you would like to sign-up for C.A.E.'s course at their Brooklyn location, visit the C.A.E. web site or ring them at 718.788.1775.

In addition, Columbia's Dodge Fitness Center offers for credit Karate classes each semester for undergraduate women and men students only. Although the classes are not self-defense in focus, they can help build self-confidence, strength, and flexibility. For more information about this class, including the schedule and registration, you can call the Columbia Physical Education Department at x4-3439. Columbia also has Club Sports, such as Aikido, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Goju Ryu Karate, Japan Karate, and Judo, which are open to all students, faculty, staff, and alumni. Club Sports center on athletic interest, from recreational to instructional to competitive activity, and require membership fees to keep running. More on these options at the Club Sports Office at 332 Dodge Fitness Center or by dialing x4-5911.

Alice

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