Winneshiek County Community Foundation awards grant to professor Christian Schlaerth for self-defense training program open to area women

Christian Schlaerth, associate professor of sociology at Luther College, received a grant of $7,400 from the Winneshiek County Community Foundation (WCCF) to establish and lead a nationally recognized self-defense training program in Winneshiek County for area women.

A Luther College student (left) learns self-defense techniques from Christian Schlaerth, associate professor of sociology at Luther College, during a R.A.D. (Rape.Agression.Defense) Basic Physical Defense for Women class.

The self-defense training program called R.A.D. (Rape.Agression.Defense) Basic Physical Defense for Women is open to women throughout the region. Participation is not limited to Winneshiek County residents. The next three-part session will start at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 10, in room 112 in Main Building at Luther College. Each session lasts approximately three hours. Space is limited. Additional classes will be added to accommodate community interest.

Schlaerth is a certified R.A.D. instructor. The WCCF grant helped to purchase a R.A.D. simulation equipment package along with additional student suits, impact targets and impact shields used for the training.

“National statistics show that one in two women will experience sexual violence in their lifetime,” Schlaerth said. “R.A.D. Systems seeks to reduce that statistic by educating women on the powers they already possess and teaching them to effectively use those powers in a manner that is best suited to them.”

Class participants are taught to recognize potentially dangerous situations and to avoid them when possible, to use their voice and weapons, and to find their power in order to protect themselves.

“By establishing a R.A.D. program, we are preparing women of all ages to feel safer and more confident wherever they travel, study or live, while also creating a safer community here in Winneshiek County and helping to prevent future assaults,” Schlaerth said.

The training is free for Luther community members. Non-Luther community members may participate and they are asked to pay a $25 fee, which covers the cost of the R.A.D. manual. Those interested in registering for the next session should email Schlaerth at schlch02@luther.edu. They may also call or text (786) 999-2069 for more information.

Participants should wear comfortable, active clothing and sneakers. They can expect light physical activity.

Schlaerth is also willing to offer private courses to members of local organizations and employees of area businesses. Those interested in this opportunity are encouraged to contact Schlaerth for more details.

R.A.D. is the only self-defense program endorsed by the International Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators, National Academy of Defense Education and the National Self-Defense Institute.

This is the second time that Schlaerth has offered R.A.D. classes to the local community. In April 2026, Schlaerth partnered with Luther College Campus Safety, Student Life and the Title IX Office to offer training for Luther students, faculty and staff. Future classes will be scheduled and promoted locally.

Schlaerth received his Ph.D. in sociology from the University of Miami, where he studied social theory, statistics and methods, race and ethnicity, and social psychology. In 2025, he started teaching at Luther College.