The Coral Springs Police Department is offering free advanced self defense classes. Women, ages 13 and older, interested in developing the strength, mental focus, and physical skills to help them survive a criminal attack should attend the Rape Aggression Defense classes.

The RAD System is a national program that teaches women empowering skills to avoid becoming a target and to fend off an attacker. Through repetition and practice, this course promotes muscle memory, and helps women to train in a realistic environment so they learn to survive a struggle.

The RAD System is taught in four classes over the course of one month on either a weeknight or a Saturday. Each class is three hours, and the final class includes a physically active, hands-on scenario and graduation ceremony.

Class sessions are from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Northwest Regional Library, at the southeast corner of University Drive and Sample Road, 3151 N. University Drive.

While the course will be physically involved, no prior self defense training is necessary. Women must register in advance, and be able to attend each of the four sessions. The next sessions are scheduled to begin in June and September.

A release form must also be filled out and submitted prior to taking the first class. To download the course forms, visit www.coralsprings.org/police/safe.cfm. Call 954-346-1227 or e-mail pdjil@coralsprings.org.