SARA offers self-defense training for all women in our community. These trainings are taught by a SARA staff member who is certified as a R.A.D. Systems Instructor. SARA offers two classes per year, one in Charlottesville and one in a rural county that we serve (Fluvanna, Louisa, Greene, Nelson Counties). For exact dates and times, please refer to this page, as information is updated as soon as classes are scheduled.
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, safety planning, 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.
Each student will be provided with a workbook/reference manual which 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.
Other Local R.A.D. Programs:
We are fortunate to have three other organizations in Charlottesville that offer the R.A.D. program for women. Below is the contact information for those program instructors. Each program will offer classes at different times throughout the year, so please contact those program instructors directly if you are interested in taking the class with them.
UVA Women’s Center: Lisa Speidel, 434- 982-2910, las7p@virginia.edu
UVA Police Department: Officer Angela Tabler, 434-531-5600, tabler@virginia.edu
Charlottesville Sheriff’s Office: Sheriff James Brown, 434-970-3777, sheriff@charlottesville.org
Upcoming R.A.D. Courses:
This information will be updated as it becomes available. Courses offered by all of the local instructors will be listed below, but you must register only with the instructor listed, as all programs are offered independently of one another.
- Charlottesville: TBA
- Louisa County (Louisa City): TBA
- Fluvanna County (Palmyra): TBA
- Nelson County (Lovingston): TBA
- Greene County (Stanardsville): TBA
FAQ
How much time will I need to commit?
The program is a 9-hour program and is typically taught in 3-hour sessions on 3 evenings with an optional fourth evening for the 3-hour Simulation exercise. SARA is offering the 9-hour program at various times and locations throughout the year, as posted on our website. Participants must attend all three training sessions in their entirety, in order to participate.
How many people are needed to make a class?
In order for a class to be offered by SARA, a minimum of six participants must be enrolled and the maximum enrollment for any one class is ten. In the event there are not enough participants enrolled, registered participants will be placed on a waiting list and will be given first priority when the next class is offered.
What is the cost per person?
The cost to participate is a $25.00 donation to SARA, however, a sliding scale option is available for those who are unable to pay the full fee. Participants may also donate a higher amount if they choose. The donations are tax-deductible and participants will receive the necessary documentation for their tax records, after completion of the course.
Is there an age requirement?
Participants under the age of 18 are required to have a parent/guardian sign a consent form in order to participate. Because of the sensitive nature of the topics that are discussed throughout the training, if a participant is 13-15 years old, they must be accompanied by an adult parent/guardian/responsible party who is also willing to participate in the training and the R.A.D. Instructor will need to speak with the parent/guardian prior to final approval. There is no maximum age limit.
Can I still participate if I have physical limitations?
Absolutely. Participants will be asked to fill out a Wellness Information Form in which they are responsible for informing the R.A.D. Instructor of any concerns regarding their health or physical ability. The R.A.D. Instructor will check in with each student prior to beginning the training to discuss these concerns. Participants always have the choice of opting out of any exercise in which they do not feel physically capable of performing. The safety of the participants is the priority.
How do I register for a class offered by SARA?
If you are committed to attending the full 9-hour course, you may register for the class by following the 4 steps below. All information is needed for each participant if you are registering for more than one person. If you do not have access to email or cannot register electronically, please call SARA at 434-295-7273. If you want to register for a class offered by another organization, please refer to the contact information under “Other Local R.A.D. Programs,” and register through them directly.
How to Register for a R.A.D. Self-Defense Class with SARA
STEP #1: Email the R.A.D. Instructor with an email subject line of “RAD
Registration” at the following address: outreach@SARAcville.org
In the body of the email provide the following information:
- Name
- Age
- # of participants
- Reliable Contact Information (both phone and email preferred)
- Dates/Location of class you desire to attend
STEP #2: After Michele receives your request, she will reply to confirm your email was
received, inform you if there is still space in the class, and attach the
“Registration/Release Form” to the email
STEP #3: Please print and fill out/sign the Registration/Release Form and mail it, along with
the $25.00 fee to:
SARA
PO Box 1565
Charlottesville, VA 22902
STEP #4: After your registration form and fee are received in the mail, the instructor will email you
and provide information about the location of the class as well as proper attire.