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How do kids learn self defense techniques for protection?
Self-Defense for Kids
Over the last decade, crime and violence against kids have increased by over 500%! And no, we are not exaggerating; it is the harsh reality we must all face to protect our children. While not all strangers have ill intentions, precaution is always better than a cure. It is always better to inform your child of the existing dangers in the world and train them in self-defence techniques.
While self-defence is not a subject in IB education, it is heavily emphasised. Teaching kids different types of self-defence techniques as part of our early childhood and education programs is essential to ensure their security inside and outside controlled environments in schools and homes. The onus of it lies with both parents and educators. In this blog, we explore how to teach self-defence techniques to kids so they can protect themselves.
Teaching Self-defence Techniques to Young Children
Before we get into the various techniques used for self-defence, it is important to give a premise for why you must teach a child such techniques. It is important that you gently but firmly tell your child about the various dangers that they can encounter in their surroundings. Here are some ways that will guide you through this.
- Teach Them Screaming – Whether a child is loud or shy, it is important to teach them how to scream for safety. Teach children how to verbally assert themselves and be as loud as possible if they perceive danger.
- Role-Playing Scenarios – Role-playing allows you to stimulate realistic situations and help children apply self-defence techniques. Enact scenarios that can cause potential harm, and the child to express and physically defend themselves. The key part of this exercise is providing constructive feedback so children can learn without feeling underconfident.
- Practice Using Targets – Make kids practice on soft targets like pillows. Turn practice into a game by setting targets and rewarding accuracy. This makes training safe as well as fun.
- Practice Consistently – Regular practice is crucial to build muscle memory and ensure accurate aim. Incorporate self-defence training into regular routines, even if it’s just half an hour per day.
Types of Self-defence Techniques for Kids
While a lot can be taught at home or school, there is no one sure-shot way to protect yourself. When push comes to shove, kids must know a bunch of techniques to protect themselves. Here are different types of self-defence techniques taught in various IB schools in Bangalore, India.
Striking Techniques
- Elbow Strike – This is a common technique, most useful when someone has grabbed you or is near you. In this technique, one puts their elbow up and forward, aiming for the aggressor’s chest or stomach.
- Knee Strike – This is when you bring your knee up to hit the attacker in the stomach or groin region.
- Palm Heel Strike – This is when you push someone away with the base of your hand. It works best when targeted at the nose or sternum, but can also be used on the chest region.
Children may lack the necessary strength to hurt their attacker. That’s why it is important to teach them the regions that tend to get hurt more easily. The chest, neck, groin, nose, and eyes are common areas where a child can apply their strength and hurt their attacker long enough to run away.
Escape Techniques
- Wrist Grab Escapes – If someone grabs a child’s wrist, they can twist their wrist quickly and pull away.
- Bear Hug Escapes – For bear hugs from the front or back, teach a kid to stomp on their attacker’s foot. This will create space and give them time to break free.
When working with escape techniques, it is very important to teach the kid not to linger and run away as soon as they break free.
Key Benefits of Learning Self-defence for Kids
Learning self-defence techniques is not only about safety, it is also about the child gaining the confidence to venture out into the world. Here are some benefits children derive from training in different types of self-defence.
- Physical Fitness – Self-defence training requires physical activity and good health. Activities like punching, kicking, grappling, etc., help kids develop strength and agility, improving their physical fitness.
- Heightened Awareness – Self-defence teaches children to be aware of their surroundings. It also informs them of potential threats, helping them identify dangerous situations and act quickly.
- Increased Self-Esteem – Few things are as empowering as the ability to defend oneself. Knowing self-defence techniques empowers children and makes them feel confident about their ability to navigate the world.
- Discipline and Focus – Regular self-defence training instils a sense of discipline in children. Structures, practice and routine also help them improve their concentration and ability to focus without distractions.
- Quick Problem-solving – Self-defence training trains children to think critically and act quickly. It helps them quickly assess situations and adapt to changing circumstances. This improves their overall ability to solve problems through quick thinking.
To Sum Up
Self-defence is the most important thing your child should know in today’s world. While teaching kids techniques to defend themselves is important, it is crucial to ensure they do not misuse them. Firm education in self-defence is pertinent to ensure the child stays safe and knows how to protect him or herself.
OWIS India, a top IB curriculum school in Bangalore, is committed to creating a safe environment for children. We focus on offering children the skills and tools to become smart, independent adults, and we do everything possible to ensure that!
FAQs:
1. How can you help a child learn to defend themselves?
At OWIS, we help children learn age-appropriate self-defense techniques through fun, structured training that enhances awareness, strength, and reflexes. These are all part of our holistic approach.
2. How do parents and teachers guide children in learning self-defense?
At OWIS, parents and teachers work together to reinforce lessons taught in school and ensure children stay consistent, safe, and confident while learning self-defense as part of the IB Primary Years Programme.
3. Does learning self-defense improve children’s confidence and discipline?
Absolutely. Self-defense training boosts a child’s confidence, improves discipline, and nurtures independence—key values supported across all IB curriculum schools like OWIS.
4. What types of self-defense techniques do children learn at OWIS?
Children learn safe and effective techniques like wrist escapes, elbow strikes, and knee kicks as part of our personal safety sessions at one of the best primary schools in Bangalore.
5. Are there certified instructors for teaching self-defense at OWIS?
Yes, OWIS works with trained, certified instructors who specialise in teaching children self-defense in a safe, positive, and age-appropriate learning environment.
