Key points of self defense
RAD Keychain advance self defense
courseBy Katy England edge staff writer kengland@themaineedge.comBANGOR
– Where the Basic Rape Aggression Defense (RAD) course showed me ways
to defend myself, the advanced keychain defense course gave me some new
ways to pack a mean punch. The class was headed up by Catherine
Rumsey, who is also a sergeant at the Bangor Police Department. Other
instructors included (those nice people). The class opened with
an overview of what it means to defend yourself. Since these techniques
are powerful and potentially dangerous, it is made clear that you are
only to use them to defend against an attack, sexual assault or
abduction situation. Rumsey also explained about the kubaton, which is
a small baton that attaches to your keychain. She explained how to grip
it and the basics of how it is used. One of my favorite parts was that
the baton, which came from the Monadnock company, was called the
"Persuader." Awesome. The class was instructed on how using the
keychain can change your basic stance and new vulnerable spots to aim
for in addition to the known eyes, nose, throat, fingers, groin, shins
and top of the foot. Most of our strikes would be aimed at the side of
the face. We were shown various strikes and practiced them
slowly, then at speed, and then we got to test our skills by striking
empty one-gallon spring water containers with the batons with keys on
the end. This was cathartic and fun, despite the keys whacking my
knuckles. Some ladies were able to cut holes into the plastic
containers. "I think it's great," said S.W.G., one of the other
women taking the course. "It's empowering. Being able to put holes in
the jugs. Awesome." Rumsey said that some women actually enjoy this course because having a tool can add a new sense of confidence. "Some people prefer to have and impact tool," she said. "We can give them that tool. Women
interested in taking this course will have to take the basic RAD
course. Rumsey said that there will be another Basic course in April 10
and 17 from 11 a.m. till 5 p.m. at the Bangor Police Department. For
more information, call Rumsey at the Bangor Police Department at
947-7382. |