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7/14/2005 12:54pm,
Instructor says self defense classes benefit kids
July 12, 2005
By KRISTIN FARLEY
6 News Anchor/Reporter
KNOXVILLE (WATE) -- Most parents teach their kids not to kick or punch anyone. But an extreme situation such as a potential abduction, calls for extreme measures. That's why a local karate instructor believes kids benefit from self defense classes.
"If it were to come to an extreme, self defense situation where someone grabs somebody and they out muscle them and out strengthen them, then we teach our children to bite, kick, pinch, everything they can to be safe," says East West karate instructor Joshua McMillan
He believes kids, like adults, need to be prepared for the worst. "We educate the kids on the different lures that child abductors might use."
6 News caught up with McMillan at a special Saturday self defense class just for kids. Children of all ages and their parents showed up to learn lessons that could save lives.
"If they're in a crowded situation and there are other people around, definitely they can say you're not my dad. Or in a more sensitive situation, stop, don't touch me there," McMillan tells them.
In a classroom like setting, teachers also stress safety at home. "If your parents aren't home, you never answer the door for anybody unless your house is burning down and the fire department is there, right?" McMillan says.
But possibly the most important thing the kids will learn is confidence and concentration. Those are evident after just a short time in class.
Results like that have parents and bystanders putting their faith in kids' self defense. "I feel so much better knowing that they know just a little bit, even if it's something basic. They know something a little bit more than I would've taught them at home," Tina Ridenour says.
Instructors at East West Karate say you should also teach your kids to create a verbal boundary, such as screaming "Leave me alone" at their attacker as they're backing away.
Plus, teach kids the easy striking areas on a victim, such as the groin. And let them know if they're in a dangerous situation, it's okay to hit an adult.
http://www.wate.com/Global/story.asp?S=3584935
Original article and picture at link.
July 12, 2005
By KRISTIN FARLEY
6 News Anchor/Reporter
KNOXVILLE (WATE) -- Most parents teach their kids not to kick or punch anyone. But an extreme situation such as a potential abduction, calls for extreme measures. That's why a local karate instructor believes kids benefit from self defense classes.
"If it were to come to an extreme, self defense situation where someone grabs somebody and they out muscle them and out strengthen them, then we teach our children to bite, kick, pinch, everything they can to be safe," says East West karate instructor Joshua McMillan
He believes kids, like adults, need to be prepared for the worst. "We educate the kids on the different lures that child abductors might use."
6 News caught up with McMillan at a special Saturday self defense class just for kids. Children of all ages and their parents showed up to learn lessons that could save lives.
"If they're in a crowded situation and there are other people around, definitely they can say you're not my dad. Or in a more sensitive situation, stop, don't touch me there," McMillan tells them.
In a classroom like setting, teachers also stress safety at home. "If your parents aren't home, you never answer the door for anybody unless your house is burning down and the fire department is there, right?" McMillan says.
But possibly the most important thing the kids will learn is confidence and concentration. Those are evident after just a short time in class.
Results like that have parents and bystanders putting their faith in kids' self defense. "I feel so much better knowing that they know just a little bit, even if it's something basic. They know something a little bit more than I would've taught them at home," Tina Ridenour says.
Instructors at East West Karate say you should also teach your kids to create a verbal boundary, such as screaming "Leave me alone" at their attacker as they're backing away.
Plus, teach kids the easy striking areas on a victim, such as the groin. And let them know if they're in a dangerous situation, it's okay to hit an adult.
http://www.wate.com/Global/story.asp?S=3584935
Original article and picture at link.