Teach Self Defense for Kids

When it comes to our children, we as parents are very protective. We want to keep them safe from every danger!

The reality is that there are times when they are alone out there and we have to trust their ability to take care of themselves.

Knowing how to protect oneself is not exclusively an adult activity. It is actually a useful skill for the growing child. Learning self-defense for kids helps them know how to take on life fearlessly on a number of levels.

When most people think of self-defense, they think of hitting back.

On the contrary, a large part of self-defense has nothing to do with hitting or striking another person. It is being aware of your surroundings.

It is carrying yourself with an air of confidence so attackers won't even bother. It is listening to your gut and leaving before a problem arises. It is using an assertive voice once there is a problem. And it is knowing when to get out of a situation.

Read on for seven reasons why all children should learn self-defense.

What is Self-Defense?

Self-defense is the use of reasonable force to protect oneself, or someone close by from harm in the event of an attack by an aggressor.

Self-defense can avert disastrous results, such as injury or death.

Knowing how to defend oneself isn't only physical, however, there is a mental aspect to it as well. No matter how strong or agile you are, if you lack the mental toughness and knowledge to execute countermeasures when confronted with an attacker, you will find yourself overpowered.

This is why it is important to invest in some sort of self-defense training for everyone in your household.

What is A Self-Defense Class?

Self-defense classes teach techniques that are useful in protecting yourself from the threat of violence.

A self-defense class will typically be comprised of three parts:

• General knowledge of how to fight.
• Avoidance and de-escalation techniques.
• Familiarization with local laws regarding self-defense.

Self-defense education is traditionally part of the martial arts industry. While all martial arts training can have self-defense applications, courses that are marketed for self defense means to prepare pupils for dealing with real-life situations.

Self-Defense For Kids

There are many excellent benefits to enrolling your children in self-defense classes. Below are seven reasons you should put your children in self-defense classes for kids.

1. Its Good Exercise

The CDC recommends that children aged 6-17 get at least one hour of physical activity every day. Self-defense training for kids is a great way to help them get that activity in.

Self-defense classes increase children's overall health and wellness. By participating in classes on a regular basis, children gain better control over their bodies while building muscle and strength. The movements required to learn effective self-defense techniques are excellent for refining a child's balance and agility as well.

This type of training leads children to develop better hand-eye coordination. They are also known to have a higher understanding of general anatomy and how each part of the body moves.

2. Teaches Awareness of Surroundings

An integral part of self-defense is taking a proactive stance towards danger.

Children who attend these classes learn to recognize and avoid dangerous situations. Children who are taking self-defense classes are taught to be aware of everything around them. Kids are given kids tools to take on the outside world without fear and are ready when dangerous situations arise.

This concept is extremely useful, not only in avoiding stranger danger but in more common occurrences, like walking next to and crossing busy streets. Especially in this age of constant digital stimulation, children are often unsure of the differences between the virtual world of video games and reality. They may fail to see dangers in their path.

Children taking self-defense classes are not naive. They know that there are many ways for small people to get hurt in the big world, and they stay alert.

3. Teaches Spatial Concepts

Spatial awareness is the ability to be aware of objects in relation to oneself in that given space. This is a complex cognitive skill that children need to develop at an early age. While spatial awareness comes naturally to most children, some find it more difficult and they are helped by self-defense classes.

Self-defense classes not only teach kids to be aware of what is around them but also understanding of how to navigate this space when the objects change place.

In a real-world instance, this may involve an attacker, but it can also involve something like a car that doesn't stop when the child is crossing a street.

A kid with well-developed spatial awareness will act quickly when an unexpected danger arises.

4. Builds Confidence

Up to one-third of all children lack confidence.

In giving children the skills they need to protect themselves, self-defense classes build their confidence levels. They learn to use their fear in the event of an attack, to their advantage by transforming it for use as positive fighting energy.

The children are constantly learning new skills, and each one builds on the one before. The positions in self-defense classes require extensive loco-motor and manipulative movements.

These classes also teach kids to listen to their gut and rely on their own intuition for guidance.

As they begin to master these concepts, kids will build pride and confidence in their newfound abilities.

5. Teaches Responsibility

Responsibility is the ability to act independently and make decisions without authorization. It means being accountable. It means being able to maturely deal with any power you may have over anyone else.

Martial arts and self-defense classes are an excellent way to teach children the concept of responsibility. Firstly, they learn to be accountable for showing up to their classes regularly and on time. Secondly, your child's coach shows children the proper way to be responsible for their own behavior. A good instructor will fully define what qualifies as responsible behavior. When a child understands why a certain behavior is being asked of him, he is more likely to comply. Children also learn responsibility by modeling the instructors during and after class.

As they progress they learn about the responsible use of their newfound knowledge. They are taught when to use appropriate force and how to wield the power of self.

6. Teaches Smart Solutions to Bullying

Most of the time bullying takes place in or around school space, outside school grounds, or on the bus. While bullying was strictly a physical thing in the past, children today also experience cyberbullying, which takes place online. Bullying happens wherever kids gather in a group, and usually, children who are seen as different are victimized.

Around half of children in grades 4–12, report being bullied at least once during the past month.

Children who are unaware of their surroundings or uninformed about bullying are more likely to be targeted. Self-defense classes give your child the tools to handle bullying effectively. Your child will also be taught how to diffuse a bullying situation correctly, through the use of confident body language, walking away when appropriate, and other deflection techniques.

7. Develops Discipline

Concentration and self-control are both concepts that are taught in martial arts and other self-defense classes. Learning complex skills requires intense focus and practice. Kids who take self-defense classes learn not to give up easily and how to perfect different moves through repetition. Children are also taught how to avoid acting on impulse.

Many parents see significant improvement in their child’s behavior after only a few sessions of self-defense training. Children exhibit improved concentration and focus. They also listen to their parents better, as they have been taught to recognize and respect authority.

The value of having discipline in this world cannot be overstated. The thoughtful individual who is able to delay gratification is invariably better prepared than the impulsive one.

Get Peace of Mind

No matter how much they train, the fact is that children remain the smallest and most vulnerable members of society. Many parents still feel a little unsure about sending them out to school and other activities without some sort of assurance of their safety.

Mobile phones are a great way to keep in touch, but in the event of an emergency, a child is unlikely to have the time to pull out his phone and dial 911. You may want to consider a personal alarm for your child.

A Wireless Child Leash provides a sense of comfort for parents. One of the coolest features of this personal device is a two-way alarm that allows your child to alert you to any trouble with the push of a button.

Give Your Kids the Tools to Defend Themselves

It's a fact, kids are not as developed or polished as adults.

Their young, malleable, minds require extensive guidance. Child-rearing should be a deliberate, well-thought-out, and intentional activity. Choosing the right school and outside sports and classes are paramount.

We want to give our children the best start possible.

Classes that teach self-defense for kids are an excellent way to help your kids be prepared for any situation.

Visit us today for more great ideas for keeping the entire family safe!