The Rape Agression Defense system is a program of realistic self-defense tactics and techniques. The system is a comprehensive course for women that begins with risk awareness, prevention, reduction, and avoidance, while progressing on to the basics of hands-on defense training. It is dedicated to teaching women defensive concepts and techniques against various types of assault, by utilizing easy, effective and proven self-defense/martial arts tactics. The RAD system of realistic defense provides women with the knowledge to make an educated decision about resistance.

Iaido: Japanese Swordsmanship: This course will present the forms of Muso Shinden Ryu Iaido, a traditional style of drawing and sheathing the Japanese katana. Each form includes at least the four parts: 1.Nukitsuke, drawing; 2.Kiritsuke. killing cut; 3. Chiburi, cleansing the blade; and 4. Noto, returning the sword to the scabbard. Each kata represents the response by a swordsman to a particular scenario of opponents and their actions . These kata are solo in nature and will not involve paired exercises though we will also study the use of the bokken or wooden sword in 2-person situations.

This course will widen the student's understanding of the basic form of Kyudo. Students will also work on shooting at a more distant target than that normally used in the beginner class. Students will expand the study of the formal seven co-ordinations into the more extended forms of Hitote and demonstrations of synchronized shooting by groups of individuals. Prerequisite: OPRA 115. 5-College students will be graded pass/fail.

Kyudo, the Way of the Bow, has been practiced in Japan for centuries. The form of the practice is considered a type of Ritsuzen or standing Zen. It is often practiced in monasteries as an active meditation in contrast to Zazen or seated meditation. The class will concentrate on learning the seven co-ordinations or step-by-step shooting form. The target, which is only six feet away, serves the archer as a mirror, reflecting the status of his mind and spirit. 5-College students will be graded pass/fail.

Aikido: Aikido is essentially a modern manifestation of traditional Japanese martial arts (Budo), derived from a synthesis of body, sword, and staff arts. Its primary emphasis is defensive, utilizing techniques of neutralization through leverage, timing, balance, and joint control. There is no emphasis on strikes or kicks since one is trained to blend and evade rather than confront. Beginners will practice ukemi (falling), body movement, conditioning, and several basic techniques. 5-College students will be graded pass/fail.

Gentle Yoga Flow: Building on yoga fundamentals. All levels welcome. 5-College students will be graded pass/fail.

Partner Yoga: Exploring yoga through partner work and play! 5-College students will be graded pass/fail.

Intermediate/Advanced Yoga: Yoga flow with inversions, backbends and challenging asana practice. Yoga experience required. 5-College students will be graded pass/fail.

Gentle Yoga Flow: Building on yoga fundamentals. All levels welcome. 5-College students will be graded pass/fail.

Rest, relax and rejuvenate through yoga. All levels welcome! 5-College students will be graded pass/fail.