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Women's Self-Defence Training
Build Confidence and Practical Skills
Learn about Western’s R.A.D.-based self-defence training, upcoming course dates, eligibility, registration, and what participants can expect.
About the Program
Western’s Women’s Self-Defence Training is based on the R.A.D. Basic Physical Defence program and combines awareness, prevention, risk reduction, and practical physical-defence skills. This training is offered in partnership with the Gender-based Violence Prevention Education office within Student Experience.
No previous experience is required.
Who Can Participate
The program is open to eligible members of the Western community, including students, faculty, staff, alumni, and approved guests.
Contact the program before registering if you have questions about eligibility, accessibility, or accommodations.
2026 Course Dates
Participants must attend all scheduled sessions for the course they register for.
October Course
- Thursday, October 1: 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.
- Friday, October 2: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
November Course
- Wednesday, November 4: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Thursday, November 5: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Friday, November 6: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Space is limited, and registration is required.
What to Expect
The course combines discussion, demonstration, and practical skill development in a supportive learning environment.
- A trauma-informed lens that focuses on increasing your confidence in your ability to defend yourself and use your voice
- Personal safety, awareness, prevention, and risk-reduction strategies
- Practical physical-defence techniques
- Opportunities to practise skills with qualified instructors
- Instruction designed for participants with no previous experience
- An optional simulated exercise for participants who choose to take part
Participants may choose not to participate in the simulated exercise and still complete the rest of the course.
What to Bring
Wear comfortable clothing that allows you to move safely and take part in practical exercises.
- Comfortable athletic clothing
- Indoor athletic shoes with good support
- A water bottle
- Any required registration or consent forms
- Any personal items or supports you need to participate comfortably
Avoid jewellery, restrictive clothing, or footwear that may interfere with movement during practical activities.
Accessibility and Accommodations
Participants are encouraged to contact the program before registering if they have an injury, disability, mobility concern, or another accommodation need.
- Discuss any physical activities that may require modification
- Ask about accessibility at the training location
- Request information about religious, cultural, sensory, or communication accommodations
- Share only the information needed to support safe and meaningful participation
The program team will work with participants to identify reasonable options while maintaining course safety and learning requirements.
Registration
Registration is required, and space is limited. Contact the program team to confirm availability, receive registration instructions, and ask any questions before enrolling.
Participants must be available for every session in the course they select.
Register HereR.A.D. Systems
Learn more about the national R.A.D. Systems program, its training philosophy, and the Basic Physical Defence curriculum.
Visit R.A.D. SystemsContact the Program
Contact the Western program team for registration, eligibility, course availability, accessibility, accommodations, or other training questions.
Email rad@uwo.ca