Parents have become acutely aware that bullying and other forms of physical harm to school-aged children are on the rise. Nearly two-thirds of students do not report bullying incidents, and 29 percent of middle-school students suffer physical assaults from peers. These include being slapped, kicked, and punched.
Self Defense for Kids
Families can enjoy a greater sense of safety by better preparing children to deter confrontations and protect themselves only when necessary. Enrolling youngsters in self defense classes increase their awareness of respect, non-violence, and strategies to diffuse bullying situations. But should your child need to protect their health and wellbeing, these are basic skills they can learn at a Dojo.
Sometimes called a “get back” position, a youth moves a step away from an aggressor and takes a fighting stance. This usually involves raising their fists and putting one foot forward to gain balance and appropriate leverage. With a solid base in place, a bully will likely recognize your child is prepared to defend themselves. Bullies generally lack the confidence to become embroiled with an opponent who appears to possess self defense skills. At this juncture, the self defense student typically issues a verbal warning in an attempt to deter a bad actor. It may sound unusual that someone would need to learn the basics of making a fist. But peaceful youngsters generally do not practice punching. What too often occurs is they injure their own hand when defending themselves. Children and youths are taught the proper ways to use their hands and feet effectively, without sustaining an injury. When attacked, everyday people are likely to swing wildly at an assailant in hopes of landing a blow. But random punches often miss the mark, and so-called “round houses” are easily blocked by someone familiar with fighting. The straight punch ranks among the most effective ways for young people to land a strike. Self defense requires mounting an offence a bully is not prepared to absorb. One of the things that can save a child from serious physical harm involves sustaining their self defense. It’s not uncommon for a youngster to think about a street altercation from a television movie lens. Superheroes and martial arts actors orchestrate a single hit, and the villain is subdued. Real-life incidents task good people with relentlessly delivering effective strikes until the thug runs away. A self defense pupil will learn that reality and the movies have little in common. Protecting oneself from bullies requires a determination to persistently strike back until the peace is won. Most youngsters targeted by bullies are smaller and possess less physical strength than bullies. Violent individuals are usually not looking for a fair fight. They want to demonstrate a sadly misguided idea they are powerful. If your child becomes the focus of a bully, chances are they are bigger. That’s why a Dojo shows students how to utilize their entire body as a self defense tool. The lower body strength of someone’s hips and legs can prove a powerful tool. A front kick, for example, may generate more force than the hands. Knowing how to use the feet and knees can level the playing field if necessary. The human anatomy possesses hard-boned areas and others that present weakness in an altercation. For instance, the sternum protects the heart and lungs with a solid bone plate. Yet the abdominal region is largely comprised of relatively soft tissues. A well-placed hit to the abdomen can leave an attacker breathless. A blunt force open hand to the nose can leave a bully blurry-eyed. Knowing where to deliver a self defense strike makes a world of difference in terms of ending the confrontation. Children learn where to deliver the most effective strike and walk away as soon as possible. There are two confidence components to taking martial arts classes at a Dojo. The first involves a child’s natural maturity and growth as they acquire techniques, apply what they have learned, and advance within the school. Studying self defense also requires students to practice postures that emulate physical self-confidence. While the former involves positive personal growth, the latter is a telltale sign that bad actors are not looking at their next victim. It’s essential to enroll school-aged children in a reputable program that emphasizes values such as respect, patience, and practicing non-violent conflict resolution. For more information, contact your local self defense school. United Studios of Self Defense offers classes that teach self defense for kids! Self-defense training is a habit-forming endeavor that positively affects mental health and quality of life. For information about programs and classes, contact United Studios of Self Defense in Vancouver.
"*" indicates required fields7 Self Defense Skills for Kids
1: How To Take A Defensive Posture
2: How To Form A Proper Fist
3: Delivering a Straight Strike
4: Delivering A Sustained Defense
5: Strategic Footwork Balances Scales
6: Knowing Where To Strike An Attacker
7: Children Learn Confidence at a Dojo