On each self defense course taught to children, by children I mean anyone who is 16 or under, we go over some basic questions and answers with them. It’s all common sense stuff but when you then put it in to a practical situation, i.e. I ask a group of 16 year olds, you’re walking home late one night from a friend’s house do you opt for the quick way home, let’s say through a dimly lit side street inside of sticking to a main road where there is plenty of light and plenty of activity going on? They all know it’s SAFER to go where there are lots of people around but most will still take the quickest way. We then quickly get them in to a roll play where they have been approached and we take them through the steps of getting themselves out of the situation and somewhere safe!
For example: the most common way of being attacked is if someone comes up to you and tries to talk to you, asks how you are, pretends to know you but then grabs you, we take the student through step by step moves to get away from the attacker. We obviously don’t want to get into the situation in the first place but when you are faced with it its best to know how to get out of it!
We obviously change our questions according to age and this will include “STRANGER DANGER” again this is done in a fun relaxed environment, the last thing we want to do is scare the living daylights out of kids but it is important they have the skills to distinguish when something just doesn’t feel right!
Here's some basic stuff we teach to the younger kids:
1. Know to trust their instincts. If something feels uncomfortable or wrong, they know to get away.
2. Know that it is okay to yell and make a scene when in a strange situation.
3. Know how to yell, make a scene, and do what it takes to run away – especially in cases where someone is grabbing them.
4. Know that they should not keep secrets with anybody, or keep any information away from their parents.
5. Sees the parent or teacher, as someone they can come to anytime for help or to discuss difficult situations.
6. Know to NEVER get in a car with anyone other than the parents, unless the parent has specifically given permission on that day at that time and directly to the child. Set a password or secret word to use for people who have permission to pick up the child, so that the child can ask for the password.
7. Know to stay distant from any strangers, in a car or walking, out of grabbing range. They should feel free to say “no” to any requests from strangers, and then to tell a parent or other well-known adult.
8. Understand to be careful of adults who the child doesn’t know, but who try to become friendly.
9. Know how to avoid common scenarios for luring a child into a car: candy, looking for a pet, claiming that the parents have asked them to pick up the child, asking for directions, offering money, or asking for help of any kind.
10. Have been taught to be careful EVEN in familiar places, like parks and schools, where they might let their guard down. They are always alert for strangers, anyone that the parents don’t know, and anyone who doesn’t have permission from the parents to be with the child.
These are just a few of about one hundred scenarios that we can go through. Again it all depends on the age of the child and what you’re happy for us to teach and in how much depth.
If you require more information on any of the above please feel free to call me and maybe we can talk more about your requirements in a free no obligation chat over a coffee at a time that suits you.
Please check for regular updates for more tips on self defence, hope to see you soon.
Carl 667419064
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