Comments on: How to Teach Your Kids Basic Self-Defense

on 4/11/2007 Women are now taught to yell 'fire' instead of help. Teach children to yell 'fire' as well.

on 9/19/2006 If any child knows how to kick, scream and squirm, why bother making them practice? Also, don't assume a bully will grab them. He may just kick and punch your child, which means self-defense instruction is important. Do not assume that a child will have to remember fancy techniques. Sound self-defense instruction helps children internalize principles of fighting so that they do not have to think to fight. Sound self-defense instruction will provide a variety of scenarios for your child. Sometimes the squirm method will work, sometimes it won't.

on 3/27/2006 A lot of people believe that sticking a child in a martial arts school will put them in a better position than a child who isn't when it comes to self-defense. It isn't necessarily true. Children are very adept at squirming, screaming, biting, kicking, and flailing by nature. This is an attribute that you want to exercise. Take your child to a park, stick a motorcycle helmet on your head, and tell your child that you are going to try to grab him and that he is to do anything and everything that he can to get away. As you are doing this, advise your child through the process...to kick more or squirm more.

If you can get your child to be like a salmon out of water (tough to hold on to), they will be in a much better position than trying to remember particular martial techniques.

on 11/22/2005 A Martial Arts class is most helpful in that it teaches children boldness and how to lose their fear. When in a confrontation they won't panic and can take action. They learn to toughen up a little, they learn that taking a hit isn't as terrible as they may imagine. If they are attacked, they won't freeze up, they will fight back.