The past few decades have witnessed an increase in the prevalence and frequency of crime in America. Of late there have been a number of crimes involving children. In fact, an estimated 800,000 children in America have experienced some form of violent crime, with a significant number falling victim to such perpetrators. The effect of crime on such young minds is horrendous, given that there are valid concerns that children could replicate this behavior if they are not harmed or killed by the perpetrators. Self defense has always been thought of as a valid countermeasure to violent attacks. However, if we are willing to empower ourselves with such knowledge and skills, why won’t we consider the same for our children?
 
What is a self defense class?
Self defense classes are taught classes intended to prepare learners to protect themselves, and to respond to attacks. For this purpose, self defense classes might incorporate physical combat strategies such as karate, martial arts, jiu-jitsu, kickboxing, as well as other techniques intended to enable learners assess possible attackers and minimize the possibility of harm.
 
Why teach self defense in schools?
Although a bit obvious, self defense is crucial in empowering children to protect themselves from ever-increasing crime. It helps to equip children and adolescents with the right skills and knowledge to be able to ward off attackers. You might be thinking that perhaps self-defensive strategies used by children could be considered provocative by perpetrators resulting in reprisal and intensifying the attack. However, the core of an effective self defense program is to impact learners with skills which allow them to be aware of the danger in the first place. Children are taught situational and spatial awareness, which is simply being aware of their environment, and which is helpful in avoiding violent encounters. Secondly, through self defense classes, children and adolescents are taught of other valid measures of preventing attacks such as verbal de-escalation.
 
In school buildings, children are prone to bullying, which could be minimized by teaching self defense in schools. You might be asking, won’t teaching the whole school Ju Jitsu also empower bullies? School bullies will now have more techniques to use when attacking and intimidating other students. Self defense programs enhance children’s listening and communication skills through group which is helpful in minimizing physical conflict. They also teach children the importance of comradeship, and how to respect themselves and each other. Furthermore, self defense classes are popular for their emphasis on discipline. Learners are expected to adhere to strict regimens required for the program reinforced through simple tasks such as listening to and obeying the instructor.
 
One overlooked benefit of self defense classes is the confidence they impact on learners. Of course we all experience a burst of energy every time we win something, even if it’s a small win. And through self-defense classes, children learn how to take pride in their abilities and victories. Studies which have been conducted on children who have undertaken self-defense classes have found tremendous improvement in their confidence levels and discipline.
 
Self defense classes are also an excellent opportunity for children to learn how to set goals, as this is required in their training. And it teaches children to be determined – to want things for themselves, and to put in hard work to achieve this. These are excellent virtues for children to learn, especially at a young age, and could rub off on other aspects of their lives. In fact, there seems to be some form of correlation between participation in such sport and self defense programs and children’s academics in school. A self defense class is one of the best foundations to give a child.
 
Last but not least, self defense classes have a strong physical exercise foundation, which helps to ensure that children are working out. Exercise is important for children, if healthy growth and development is expected. A self defense class also works on balance, coordination, speed and strength, which also numerous benefits for a growing child. Let’s not forget that with physical fitness also comes mental acuity.
 
But why should we teach self defense classes in schools? As already discussed, self-defense has numerous benefits for children. There is no perfect environment to impact this knowledge and these skills to children than schools. The reason why children go to school afterall, is so that they can learn.