For Spring Break in the South Whittier area schools we held a three (3) Day Intensive Seminar on "Child Safety & Self Defense" for kids in response to the increase of attempted abductions and crimes against children in the Greater Whittier Area (& Norwalk). I'm proud to report that it was a SUCCESS and now thier are more children who are EMPOWERED to be safe.
We normally teach the child safety classes in the summer as part of our Summer Karate Program at Mayberry Park, but we thought and acted quickly to empower students now. Our goals were to empower kids ages 3-12 by teaching 1) Safety Awareness, 2) Self Defense against potential abductors, and to 3) Escape Danger.
We used the "Got 2B Safe: Thinks Smart! Take Charge!” curriculum on child safety that we have been using for over six (6) years. The program is interactive engages participants in the program with scenarios and discussion. Essentially, the program boils down to the "Four Rules of Safety":
FOUR RULES OF SAFETY
1) CHECK FIRST
a. Children should always check with parents and guardians before accepting gifts, rides or invitations from anyone, including friends, acquaintances and people they don't know.
2) GO WITH A FRIEND
a. Simple and straightforward - never go anywhere alone. Being with another person in public is safer and more fun.
3) IT’S MY BODY
a. Teaching children that they have the right to say NO to any unwelcome, uncomfortable, or confusing touch or actions by others.
4) TELL A TRUSTED ADULT
a. Teaching children to TELL a trusted adult - parent, teacher, etc. - if anyone or anything makes them feel scared, uncomfortable or confused.
Our participants catch on and memorize these points easily.
SELF DEFENSE & ANI-ABDUCTION
The Second part to the curriculum is being aware of their surroundings and noticing situations that may be unsafe and to evade them.
The Third part is verbal commands expressed at a distance that is beyond arms length, which is telling someone to stop, leave them alone, or warn that they are being made to feel uncomfortable and to go away.
The Fourth part is defending and escaping an attempted physical encounter. The arsenal of self-defense strikes is taught and practiced: elbows, knees, kicks, hand strikes and escape. Specific targets are reviewed and emphasized given the disadvantages and strengths of children against a bigger assailant. Escape is emphasized as the overall goal as opposed to just chasing off assailant.
Other essential points were covered.
The kids did EXCELLENT! They memorized and practiced their new skills effectively.
Looking forward to doing this again in the summer.
Sensei Gary
Thanks to Matthew for helping by being the bad guy!
