Self-defense is often more of an issue for adults; moreover, some believe that practicing martial arts is unsuitable for children. But especially children are – without practice – not defensible and therefore exposed to dangers without protection. This is exactly why it is important to teach children the principles of self-defense
The most important in 30 seconds:
- In principle, self-defense for children is first about recognizing danger, taking flight and calling for help .
- To become physically and physically stronger, any martial art is generally suitable for children.
- Equally important is the expanded self-confidence that children can build through martial arts.
- Weapons are not suitable for children. Children are not only overwhelmed with it, it usually even carries an additional danger.
Inhalt/ Content
In the following article, read what children should know about self-defense and how dangerous situations can be avoided.
Can children defend themselves?
Every child, regardless of age, can defend themselves in some way.
Defense for children:
- Sometimes it is already enough to recognize an existing danger. Parents should discuss typical dangerous situations with their children (e.g. being approached by a stranger, walking alone, etc.)
- In addition, it is important to take flight. Here, for example, you could walk along the way to school together with the child and discuss suitable and unsuitable routes.
- And calling loudly for help. This starts with shouting, approaching passersby or, of course, using the phone.
However, when incapacitating an attacker, it looks a little more complicated. This method requires a certain physical strength that children do not yet have, because they lack both weight and muscle mass. Thus, it is almost impossible for a child to successfully defend himself against an adult.
Nevertheless, taking part in a self-defense course or martial arts can ‘t hurt – even if it only gives them an element of surprise and a time advantage.
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Are martial arts useful for children?
Although it takes a certain amount of physical strength to stand up to an adult, participating in a martial arts class for kids has numerous benefits in many ways.
- They strengthen their sense of teamwork. They can use the team spirit they learn in a martial arts class throughout their careers. Companies require their applicants to be able to work in a team.
- Furthermore, the children improve their physical condition. They are in better physical shape unlike their peers who don’t do any sports – which is also important for a possible escape.
- The training also strengthens their heart and internal organs. This in turn has a positive effect on their immune system. Children who train martial arts are definitely less susceptible to pesky infectious diseases.
- In martial arts training, children also train their flexibility. Their muscles and tendons are stronger and more supple.
- In addition, children learn important defense techniques, which they will sooner or later be able to use in an emergency.
Which martial art is the most suitable?
The question of the most suitable martial art for children can be answered quite simply: any martial art is useful for children.
- Judo for children: In judo they learn the fall school and can apply what they have learned in case of a threatening fall. In addition, they learn effective defense techniques when an attacker comes extremely close to them. After a certain time, they can apply a throwing technique over the hip. However, for this they need a certain size and strength.
- Karatefor children: In karate, children again learn effective fist punches and kicks. In addition, they not only learn about the concept of “discipline”, but also how to apply it.
- Taekwondo for children: In Tae-Kwon-Do, children learn useful foot and hand techniques, just like in Karate. They also practice fighting there regularly.
- Kickboxing for kids: Even in kickboxing, kids improve their technique and agility. Even though competitions are of course not yet suitable.
- Other martial arts: Also Kung-Fu, Krav Maga, Jiu Jitsu, Tae Bo improves concentration and agility. In addition, the children improve their condition and also in this martial art they learn how to fight. This they can apply from a certain age as well as a certain size also in reality.
Is it worthwhile to use weapons for children?
No – for children, using weapons should be refrained from for security reasons, as this increases the danger of improper use. The little ones could abuse them against their innocent peers. Moreover, the aggressor may take the weapon from the child and turn it against him. Due to his physical superiority, he would thus have more success with the weapon than the child who has it with him.
- Theage at which weapons may be carried is not so easy to answer in general terms. Many are only marketable from the age of 18. In the case of defense spray for animal defense, there is (paradoxically) no minimum age in the sense. In addition, the legal regulations must be taken into account.
- And if the attacker is armed? If they have trained in self-defense or a martial art for several years, they can use the techniques against an adult. Many martial arts include effective defensive techniques against attacks with weapons.
- Alarms to attract attention: shrill alarms have proven to be successful weapons for self-defense.
In addition, the child should be properly educated about the use with the weapon entrusted to him. Furthermore, the use of a weapon also requires regular practice. The child cannot make use of it if they do not use it until they are attacked. The same principle applies to weapon use as in martial arts: practice makes perfect.
Dangers of sexual assault
The number of sexual assaults on children is declining and was 14,410 reported cases in 2018. Of course, the number of unreported cases is higher and every case is too many. The number of unreported cases (i.e., the number of actual incidents) is significantly higher – and is measured at 300,000. In addition, girls are significantly more likely to be victims of assault than boys. The ratio here is 1:9. Read more about the statistical data here.
Emergency measures
If a child gets into a dangerous situation or contact with an untrustworthy person and has to flee, it is important to prepare for this case accordingly.
Emergency – report to whom?
Parents should always give their children (if they do not yet have a cell phone) coins or a phone card so that they can contact them in case of an emergency. Furthermore, children have a good memory, because they can remember numerous telephone numbers better than adults.
- So it’s worth teaching them their parents’ landline and cell phone numbers early on.
- They should also know the emergency number for the police.
Self-confidence – a natural protection
Self-confidence can be acquired through success, in martial arts, praise or even in dedicated self-defense training.
- Parents who enroll their children in a martial arts school are helping their offspring build good self-confidence.
- Pedophiles look for victims, not brave children, and will not engage in a discussion with a screaming child, but are the ones who then flee of necessity.
Avoid dangerous situations
To prevent children from getting into a situation that involves danger in the first place, the following points can help.
The way home & common dangerous situations
- Parents should regularly impress upon children to immediately make their way home from school.
- In addition, they might require their children to always walk to school in small groups.
- Darkness and unsafe areas should generally be avoided.
This is a task for the guardians. It is their duty to teach their offspring to protect themselves against possible attacks and to recognize dangerous situations.
Learning to deal with strangers
Children can also approach other adults with children in case of need and use them as a means of escape. In general, they should learn to trust people with uniforms, such as police officers or mailmen.
- Experts advise parents not to broach the subject ofstrangerswith their children until they start school and, as a result, are out on their own. For younger children, realistic role-playing games could trigger unnecessary fears.
- Meanwhile, many parents also use a password. If a stranger approaches them and claims to go with them today, the children demand the password. If the stranger doesn’t know it, which is usually the case, the child recognizes the dangerous situation and doesn’t go along.
- Even the phrase, “Your parents said you should come with me,” should set alarm bells ringing in children.
Alone on the road & behavior
A child, when traveling unaccompanied, should use paths and streets that are heavily traveled. Children have a seventh sense and can usually sense when a person is behaving suspiciously toward them. Therefore, after they have made this realization, they should either run away or yell for help. Further, a child should never be alone on a playground.
Caring parents can also make a significant contribution to the safety situation of their children. This includes, among other things, regularly picking them up and driving them to sports. Especially in the wintertime, when it gets dark quite early, parents should pick up their children. In addition, it is worthwhile to form car pools so that the adults can take turns driving the children home.
Defense for children
In addition, martial arts experts advise making children aware of self-defense. Children should be taught about it early enough. They need to know about the possibilities of self-defense. On the one hand, this strengthens their self-confidence, and on the other hand, they realize that they by no means have to resign themselves to the role of victim because they are children.
Numerous schools, adult education centers and sports clubs offer self-defense courses for children. There are also special parent-child courses. The topic of self-defense is important and parents should discuss it with their children and, if possible, practice it with the help of a course or a martial art. It is not enough to teach children the phrase “Don’t go with strangers”.
Conclusion: Sensitize but don’t frighten
There is a fine line between scaring children and sensitizing them. Therefore, it can only be done gradually.
- Young children need to be more protected and introduced to dangers and correct behavior through play.
- As childrenget older, they can also be educated about the impending dangers.
It is also worth talking to other parents and discussing how to deal with the issue together. In this way, the dangers can be reduced and the children can be well protected.
Update: 2023-05-28 / Affiliate Links / Bilder von der Amazon Product Advertising API