Self Defense For A Child

[MJS]

Every art has various self defense techniques for a wide assortment of attacks. Many of these moves, when done by a child, may not have the same results compared to an adult performing the same moves.

That being said, what do you feel are some of the most effective things that we could teach a child to defend themselves against a larger attacker? The wrist grab thread that I started, generated some good replies, considering that this could be a potential attack against a child, such as an abduction. However, there was some concern that a smaller person may have a difficult time against a larger person.

So, what would you teach?

 

[Kacey]

The first thing I teach children is the same thing I teach adults - be aware of your surroundings and avoid situations in which you might be in danger.

From there:

1) Never go anywhere with someone you don't know or don't trust
a) Set up a password with your parents in case they send someone to get you.

2) If someone grabs you, fall down and yell 'fire' - kids who are having a tantrum scream and yell, but 'fire' isn't the yell of a tantruming child - and if you fall down, they have to drag you; if you jump at them, it is easier for them to pick you up.

3) Kick the person in the shins, knees, anything you can reach - if you hurt their legs, they may not be able to walk/run as fast, which will help you get away.

4) If someone makes you nervous, leave; if they approach you, go anywhere there are other people - you are safer with an unknown adult that you approach than an unknown adult who approaches you.

5) Groups are safer than being alone.

6) If someone tries to get you into a car, cross behind the car - the driver won't be able to back up in time to grab you.

7) If someone you don't know asks you to help them find a street, a puppy, wants you to look at a map, offers you food, etc. - run.

8) Kids don't need cell phones - but the new ones for kids that only allow you to call 4 numbers that parents program can be useful.

9) Don't go anywhere without telling an adult where you are going.

10) Never admit you are alone in the house. Don't open the door for strangers; don't answer the phone unless you know who is calling.

There are more, but it's been a long day - sorry these aren't in any particular order.

 

[still learning]

Hello, One of the things we teach in the begining is escaping from the grab, one hand, two hand, and to RUN AWAY . We try to make this as simple as we can.

Yell or scream out loud. Things like this " This is not my Daddy"

Awareness it tough to teach to very young kids without making them parnoid. Because we always tell them if you have troubles seek the adult/teachers. ( for under 8 years old)

As for techniques like kicks,eye pokes,punches for 8 years and under not sure if this will work against a kidnaper?

Take one eye and keep that eye on your own children. (the eye technique no.1)

Eye technique number 2: Keep both eyes on both of your children.

Eye technique number 3: Take one eye from the kidnaper. number 4 is same as 3 except you take two eyes.

I think I better end here? aye! aye! ....Aloha

 

[Hand Sword]

Right on! the best defense for children is supposed to be the parents.

 

[Drac]

If the child is in his bike and a stranger approaches and they feel threatened HANG ON TO THE BIKE with all they have...

 

[stickarts]

Excellent previous posts!
We also do a drill where the instructor gears up and the kid practices fighting him off in a pretty realistic fashion. Anything that it takes to get away.
The kids have a blast and the adult brings a bottle of advil for themselves afterward! :0)

 

[bushidomartialarts]

kacey's list was excellent because it included non-combat safety concepts. it's much more important that kids know about traffic safety, basic first aid, fire safety and general good sense.

in terms of defense against larger attackers, we use a combination of info given by the safety net kids organization and tom patire's programs. excellent stuff in there and definitely worth a look.

for parents who want info on keeping their kids safe and teaching their children about safety, 'protecting the gift' by gavin debecker is top notch. every martial arts teacher who works with children should buy, highlight and dogear a copy.