EMU Offers Self-Defense Class for Women & Non-Binary Students | 2026 Dates & Details
Ypsilanti, Michigan – Eastern Michigan University (EMU) is offering a six-week self-defense class, beginning , to students and members of the surrounding community. The course, part of the national Rape Aggression Defense (RAD) program established in 1989, aims to equip participants with practical self-defense skills and enhance their overall confidence.
The class is designed specifically for women and non-binary individuals aged 16 and older, with a waiver required for those under 18. Officer Andrea Elliott, a community engagement officer at EMU and a Special Victims Unit investigator with the university police force, will lead the instruction. Elliott emphasized the course will cover fundamental techniques including stances, strikes, kicks, and ground defense maneuvers. “We teach basic self defense techniques, including stances, strikes, kicks, ground techniques and how to punch,” she stated.
While the primary focus is on women and non-binary individuals, the EMU Department of Public Safety also hosts separate self-defense classes for men when sufficient interest exists. Elliott explained this separation is rooted in the differing dynamics of attacks experienced by each gender. “The reason we have separate classes is that men and women are usually attacked for different reasons,” she said. Non-binary individuals are welcome to choose the class where they feel most comfortable, with guidance available from the public safety department.
The curriculum extends beyond physical techniques, incorporating situational awareness training, strategies for responding to potentially unsafe encounters, and confidence-building exercises. Elliott noted that a significant benefit reported by past participants is a newfound sense of self-assurance. “A lot of people have noted in the past, and we even see it sometimes with some people, that they gain confidence,” she said. This confidence is seen as a deterrent, as attackers often target individuals who appear vulnerable or insecure.
A particularly impactful aspect of the course, according to Elliott, is its acknowledgement of the prevalence of acquaintance-based sexual assault. Data from the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN) indicates that approximately 60% of rapes nationally are committed by someone known to the survivor. EMU’s class addresses this reality by exploring various self-defense scenarios and providing education on emotional abuse and manipulation tactics.
The course culminates in an optional simulation exercise where participants practice their newly acquired skills against officers and dispatch employees wearing protective padding. Elliott playfully described the simulation as an opportunity for participants to “beat up a police officer and get away with it.” However, Elliott also stressed that the class emphasizes that compliance is a valid option in a dangerous situation. “No one has the right to judge you for complying, if that’s the case, because … no one is in that situation, particularly, but you,” she explained, acknowledging the potential presence of weapons and the individual’s right to prioritize their safety.
Registration for the class is currently open and costs $25 for the six-week program. Scholarships are available for those who find the fee prohibitive, provided they commit to full participation. The class will be held on Wednesdays from 5:30 PM to 8:00 PM in McKenny Hall. A registration link can be found on the university’s safety department webpage.
Participants who successfully complete the course will receive a signed form allowing them to participate in and practice with future RAD self-defense classes for free. Elliott highlighted the value of continued practice, noting that previous participants have returned to hone their skills. Students can also earn Learning Beyond the Classroom credit for completing the course.
Beyond the self-defense class, the EMU Police Department offers additional safety resources to the campus community. These include the EagleReady app, which provides safety information and a mobile blue light function, as well as free self-defense spray with accompanying guidance on responsible use. The Student Eyes and Ears for University Safety (SEEUS) program provides students with escorts to on-campus destinations. In case of emergency, the EMU police can be reached at 734-487-1222 or by dialing 911 on campus.
Elliott encouraged community members to prioritize their safety and consider participating in the self-defense class. She also suggested simple preventative measures, such as being aware of surroundings and avoiding walking with both earbuds in or while distracted by a phone. “I would recommend that you at least only put in one earbud so you can kind of hear what’s going on around you,” she advised.