Free defense class offered to women

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Betty R. Chevalier
  • 355th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --  The 355th Security Forces Squadron and the Sexual Assault Prevention and Response program offer a free basic self-defense class here about once a month

The Rape Aggression Defense Systems class teaches women realistic, self-defense tactics and techniques against various types of assault.

The class is open to any woman, age nine and above, who has base access. The course consists of three hour sessions during four days.

"All I ask for is 12 hours of your time," said Jerry Conner, 355th SFS chief instructor. "It doesn't matter how old you are, your fitness level or your body size. Anyone can do this class."

Many moms will bring their daughters through the course with them.

"This class makes me feel safer with my husband constantly gone," said Gaby Miranda, a military wife with two young daughters. "I feel I will be able to better protect myself, and my daughters can start learning how to defend themselves."

Not only do the women get to learn the techniques, they put the techniques they learn into action on the last day. Two instructors from the 355th SFS put on padding and give women the opportunity to kick, punch and protect themselves in simulated assault scenarios.

"These scenarios give women confidence," said Staff Sgt. Ryan Hauck, 355th SFS certified R.A.D. instructor. "If these women feel they can protect themselves now then they will have more confidence to defend themselves should they ever have to."

There is not a set date for the next class but anyone interested should contact Jerry Conner at 228-5340 for more information and to sign-up.