Women Empowered

Women Empowered R.A.D Systems of self-defense teaches vital skills

L

APLACE — For weeks leading up to May, the women in our L’OBSERVATEUR office asked female friends and family members whether they were interested in a free self-defense class offered through the St. John the Baptist Parish Sheriff’s Office.

Nods of affirmation turned to “I’m sorry, but I can’t� when we said the class was from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on a Saturday. It was a tough ask among weekend graduation parties, plans with children and other commitments.

There were only three of us by the time the class rolled around — myself, our former advertising representative, Candace Hemelt, and her 9-year-old daughter, Mallory — snacking on complimentary doughnuts as we anxiously waited to see if anyone else would show.

No one did, but we have no regrets.

We left that evening with situational awareness, an arsenal of self-defense tactics and the realization that the Rape Aggression Defense course was so much more than a time commitment on a Saturday.

Since 1989, the R.A.D. Systems of Basic Physical Defense has presented, developed and enhanced self-defense options so they may become viable considerations to a woman under attack.

As Susan B. Anthony said in 1871, â€œâ€ŚWoman must not depend on the protection of man but must be taught to defend herself.â€?

Every participant, whether she is as young as Mallory or well past retirement age, has the right to choose non-participation at any time, for any reason. Course instructors never push a woman beyond her physical capabilities.

However, the beauty of the program is that the techniques shown are applicable to anyone, and they have been proven capable of taking down a perpetrator of any size.

Even the elderly ladies at Place du Bourg in LaPlace were able to learn valuable defense during a recent class.

The course starts with a PowerPoint discussion that leads into physical training. The physical maneuvers you learn are a well-kept secret among women worldwide.

The time, location and details of the R.A.D. class are kept confiden-

Fresh Produce, Meats, Seafood, Hot Meals, Pastries & lots more www.germancoastfarmersmarket.org t7FOEPS -JTU t /FXTMFUUFS 4JHO VQ t 3FDJQFTt &WFOUT $BMFOEBS or follow us on Facebook. For more information call

RIVER PARISHES MAGAZINE ~ 25

The L’OBSERVATEUR team learned the RAD self-defense with the help of the St. John the Baptist Parish Sheriff’s Office.

tial to ensure safety for participants. After all, the methods shown are about turning the tables with the element of surprise. Privacy ensures a perpetrator can’t slip into the class unnoticed.

I left with a comprehensive booklet to refer to and an invitation to return for future classes.

R.A.D. is the only self-defense program with a free lifetime return and practice policy, honored worldwide.

I learned of the class shortly after starting with L’OBSERVATEUR in September 2017. I wrote a handful of stories previewing upcoming trainings, but I never considered attending until I learned the St. John Sheriff’s Office travels to local businesses to host R.A.D. training for female employees.

It made me consider the risks I take daily in my career.

Arranging meetings by phone doesn’t change the fact that I sometimes travel alone, to unfamiliar locations, to meet unfamiliar people for interviews.

I’m not the largest person, and though I’m in my 20s, I can pass for a high school senior. To a perpetrator, I might look young and vulnerable. I could be seen as an easy target.

Even when walking to my car at night, I’m always looking over my shoulder, remembering how my cousin was grabbed from behind and held at knife point while unloading groceries from her trunk.

Being alone in the dark of night is the only time I feel disadvantaged as a woman, but the truth is, no one needs to feel that way.

News editor Brooke Robichaux practices with Lieutenant Denise Bertrand.

Mallory Hemelt, 9, learns to defend herself.

26 ~ RIVER PARISHES MAGAZINE

I know the power of my voice and my physical capabilities. Our instructors, Ann Taylor, Denise Bertrand and Frank Jackson, did a wonderful job of making us feel comfortable.

As an added bonus, our R.A.D. class experience saw participation from SJSO’s newest four-legged employee, trauma support dog Finn.

I strongly encourage any women reading this to give the R.A.D. class a chance. A full day of training might sound like a lot, but it’s a very minor time commitment in exchange for peace of mind and the knowhow to defend yourself in case of tragedy.

The class is open to women of all ages, though girls under 16 must be accompanied by a parent.

Next time you are looking for an activity to do with friends and family, consider calling the St. John Parish R.A.D. line at 985359-8686 or 985-359-8753 to schedule a class.

Brooke Robichaux is news editor at L’OBSERVATEUR. She can be reached at brooke.robichaux@lobservateur.com.

Former sales representative Candace Hemelt is pictured learning a new defense kick last month in the Rape Aggression Defense course.

THURSDAY

MONDAY

All Day-Buy One Combination, A-L Get One Free

All Day-$6.99 House Margarita: 27oz. Lime, Mango or Strawberry Live Mariachi Band Call for Details

TUESDAY

SUNDAY

All Day-2-for-1 12 oz.

House Margaritas: Lemon, Mango or Strawberry

All Day-10% Off Whole Check with Church Bulletin

WEDNESDAY

Fajita Night-Starting at 3 pm: $9.99 Steak, Chicken or Combo Live Music Call for Details

2 OFF

$

ANY LUNCH

4 OFF

$

ANY DINNER

with purchase of 2 entrees dine in only.

with purchase of 2 entrees dine in only.

With this coupon. Not valid with other offers.

Valid at LaPlace location only. Valid for lunch only.

With this coupon. Not valid with other offers.

Valid at LaPlace location only. Valid for dinner only.

RIVER PARISHES MAGAZINE ~ 27