Want to help your children be equipped to protect themselves against bullies – but don’t feel too equipped yourself? Start with the “A” of the ABC’s of Self-Defense.
The purpose of the ABC’s of Self Defense is to educate children about safety by teaching them how to be more alert and how to become better aware of their surroundings.
The ABC’s of Self Defense is part of Dinoto Karate Center’s Children’s Self Defense And Safety Awareness Program and helps teach children how to identify and better understand the lures that are most often used by strangers and predators.
Our Children’s Self Defense And Safety Awareness Topics Include:
- Preparing your child for the world outside
- What is a stranger?
- Strangers and their lures
- Going to school safely
- Strangers on the playground
- Being stalked by a stranger
- Home alone
The ABC’s of Self Defense also provides Safety Awareness Education for parents. Dinoto Karate Center offers many suggestions and tips to help you prepare your child for the world outside.
First Things First – Start with “A”!
A = Awareness: Avoid Potentially Dangerous Situations
The single most important step in conflict avoidance is knowing where NOT to be. The ability to recognize potentially dangerous situations is more than just common sense. It is a learned skill that should be practiced.
There are three types of people.
- The first person is absolutely convinced that there is someone hiding around the corner. This person is paranoid.
- The second person is absolutely convinced that there is no one around the corner. This person is naive.
- The third person thinks that there might be someone waiting around the corner, so they take the appropriate precautions. This person is a careful person.
We want to you to become careful people.
Do not underestimate the value of the first step. If we can get you in the habits of being aware of your surroundings and always consciously being as careful as possible, you will be much less likely to be confronted violently.
Some potentially dangerous situations and ways to avoid them:
- A single mother is going to the laundry room alone at night.
Solution: Go early in the morning instead and use the buddy system. - Driving in a strange town and getting lost.
Solution: Make sure you have an accurate map and ask for clear-cut directions. Learn what parts of town are okay and what parts you should stay away from. - A group of kids wanting to play around a construction site.
Solution: Talk your friends into going to the park instead. - A child walking home on a street with lots of traffic.
Solution: Learn alternate routes that are less crowded.
WE CAN HELP!!!
Dinoto Karate Center will be teaching the “A” of the ABC’s of Self-Defense the whole month of September as part of their Back To School Program. For more information about our programs, contact us at 856-235-0414.
—
About the Contributor: Peter Liciaga is an education activist, martial arts educator and friend to parents, teachers and school administrators. He is a master instructor at Dinoto Karate Center, a school that is considered to be the best family martial arts center in Mount Laurel and Burlington County. Peter Liciaga can be reached on Facebook, Twitter @udpntv, SKYPE (peterliciaga), and at 856-235-0414.
Are these tips helpful? Share them – and help us equip our children.
