Police Department Schedules Rape Aggression Defense Class July 26-27

Posted 07-03-24.

The Sevierville Police Department has scheduled a Rape Aggression Defense (R.A.D.) class for women on Friday, July 26 from 6 p.m.-9 p.m. and Saturday, July 27 from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. at the Sevierville Police Department, 300 Gary Wade Boulevard. The class is free of charge and is open to all interested women. The purpose of the class is to develop and enhance self-defense options, so they may become viable considerations to a woman if she is attacked.

The class is limited to the first 15 women to register. Participants must attend both classes. To register or receive additional information, contact Stefanie Cook at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 865-868-1916.

The R.A.D. class 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, prevention, 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.

Frequently Asked Questions about the R.A.D. class:
1. Do you have to be in great shape to take the class? No! The class is designed everyone. We have even had an 80-year old take the class!
2. Can my daughter take the class with me? Yes. The minimum age is13 years old.
3. How much does it cost? The class is FREE. The Police Department wants to help keep our citizens safe.
4. Will I get to fight anyone? On the last class, we have an instructor come in wearing a special protective suit so you can practice techniques. It is not required, but it provides you with good feedback.
5. Do I have to get in front of a class? No. After the instructor demonstrates the techniques, you will be placed into small groups of two or three people to practice. We encourage women to bring friends or family to practice the techniques.

This class is designed to help women fight smarter not harder. Students will learn how to get out of bear hugs, choke holds and arm grabs. The class also covers how to get an attacker off of you, and how to punch and kick effectively.