Training to fail

Some Prince William police are teaching Rape Aggression Defense (RAD). That's what they call it. Sounds super cool doesn't it? They teach "self defense" to woman, but guess what they leave out? That's right, how to use a gun.

OOOhhh! Hold the phones! In the RAD Advanced self defense course, women learn how to disarm felons! This must be the same place that the bad guys train to take guns away from women and NRA Instructors to use it against them!

Builds on techniques and strategies from the Basic class, and adds defenses against the edged weapon and firearm. This program also covers more prone defense strategies, multiple subject encounters and even low and diffused light simulation
exercises.

That's the hype of stuff that will help you when the chips are down. Just take away his gun! Why didn't I think of that?

Aerosol Defense Options Using the proven R.A.D. Systems philosophy, A.D.O. destroys the myths and manufacturer hype about pepper spray effectiveness and even their ability to deter a Committed Focused Aggressor.

Learn the most realistic methods for accessing, deploying and assisting the aerosol defense option; And if it fails to work (and it may), learn the proven backup strategies needed for successful escape. R.A.D. Systems has conducted over 300 video taped live test exposures to various aerosol products with a wide range of delivery systems. Stop believing a manufacturers selling hype, we know what works and what doesn't through hands on experience.

Stop believing their hype. Check out the videos if you like. I've done lots of training like that, and women, with very few exceptions, just can't play in the same league as men. It's not even a contest. Here is what real backup looks like.

There is an invention that can even the playing field though.

Continuing to enhance the many options of self defense, this program is for the Instructor who wants to put an impact weapon in the hands of the students they train.

No, not one of those; try one of these impact weapons. They are way more effective, and they're easy to carry and use.

While your pathetic keychain weapon may help you stop one of your aggressors:
who are payed to not actually rape and/or kill you, my choice of weapon will stop a real aggressor in a real attack, the kind where you're playing for all the marbles. It looks like this:

I do think that learning empty handed defense is important, but I think it's best taught as a last ditch effort, not as a primary form of defense. A good awareness of your surroundings, such as what Col. Cooper taught, plus competence in a firearm, and coupled with some empty handed fighting techniques, and you will be good-to-go.

The stuff that they're teaching leaves a big, gaping hole in the self defense package. Don't believe the hype.