If you want to provide your child with the tools that they need to protect themselves in the world, you may have considered self-defence lessons. But what do they need to learn? Perhaps you’re a self-defence teacher and want to offer a class to young people. Either way, here are some things to teach young people!
Confidence
In sport, it’s often said that the best form of defence is attack. We aren’t about to suggest that the child become a bully, but they can often prevent bullying entirely with a little confidence. Rather than avoiding eye contact and slouching in the corner, kids should stand tall and walk with confidence. By doing this alone, it can reduce the risk of bullying.
Walk Away
Next, children inherently believe that walking away is a sign of weakness. In fact, many adults still believe this too. Therefore, you need to teach them the power of walking away. If they feel as though a situation is arising and they feel comfortable, they should walk away. By removing themselves from the situation, they stay safe and prevent potential future bullying situations too.
When a hostile situation arises, walking away takes bravery, so tell them this.
Make Noise
If they cannot remove themselves from the situation, one good tactic is to make lots of noise. More often than not, especially in school, the bullies want to keep the bullying as quiet as possible. Therefore, you should teach your child to make lots of noise. They will draw attention to the bullying, surprise the bully, and end the danger. Even if it means screaming, teachers will quickly spot the problem.
As well as children, this tip applies to adults too. Scream or make another noise and the attacker will panic – they don’t want lots of attention on them. Therefore, they’re likely to run away.
Take Martial Arts Classes
This guide is all about self-defence classes, and the Head Academy Kung Fu for kids is one of the best around. While people often think that kung fu teaches attacking moves, it teaches lots more. This includes:
- Coordination
- Self-confidence
- Concentration
- Friendship
- Discipline
- Respect
- Fun
After martial arts classes, children know how to react in certain situations. They know how to keep themselves safe whether in school, in public, or in another social setting. The fact that it teaches friendship and confidence, however, reduces the likelihood of bullying in the first place.
Stay in Groups
The problem with bullies is that they’re often weaker than the one being bullied – this is why they prey on lone children. Teach children to stay in groups and they’re unlikely to experience bullying at school or elsewhere. Bullies have fears and they won’t want to approach a whole group of kids.
Instincts and Voice
Furthermore, it’s important to encourage children to trust their instincts. If a situation feels off, there’s no reason why they shouldn’t walk away and avoid it entirely. If flight isn’t an option, use an assertive voice to diffuse the situation. As mentioned previously, bullies are often weak, and they have fears. They prey on weak individuals so showing confidence, assertiveness, and strength will likely encourage the bully to give up.
Tackle Aggressors
If the worst comes to worst and the child is attacked, they need to know how to defend themselves rather than aimlessly swinging at the individual. The child should remove the opportunities for the other person to attack.
With this, children know how to respond to dangerous situations and always protect themselves!
